The Department of Economics, Christ (Deemed to be University, Central Campus), organized a guest lecture on “Farmers in India: A Homogeneous Entity or a Differentiated Category” on 26th August 2023, featuring Dr. Sandipan Bakshi from the Agrarian Foundation as the resource person.
The session provided an academic platform for students to critically examine the complex and multifaceted realities of India’s agrarian sector. Dr. Bakshi explored how the term “farmer” is not uniform but deeply shaped by social, political, and economic structures, emphasizing how groups such as tenant farmers, sharecroppers, and women in allied agricultural activities often remain invisible in policy frameworks. He discussed the implications of caste hierarchies, class divisions, and local governance systems in determining who benefits from agricultural subsidies and land rights, thereby linking the topic to broader global concerns of inequality and sustainable livelihoods. The initiative contributed to the global UN Sustainable Development Goals by aligning with efforts toward reducing inequalities, promoting decent work, and ensuring food security.
Through a focus on inclusivity and equitable resource distribution, the lecture fostered awareness of how fair agricultural policies are essential for achieving economic justice and sustainable development. The session led to a significant knowledge gain among economics students, encouraging them to view farming not merely as an economic activity but as a deeply social and political process that influences livelihoods, food systems, and community resilience. It also strengthened students’ understanding of how research based policymaking can support long-term sustainability and rural empowerment. The beneficiaries of this initiative were undergraduate and postgraduate economics students, who gained new insights into the intersection of development economics, agrarian policy, and social equity, enriching their global and local perspectives on sustainable development.
.jpg)
The Department of Economics, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bannerghatta Road Campus, organized the Inauguration Ceremony of ECONTAGO – The Economics Association on 28 July 2023 .The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Taru Saigal, the faculty coordinator of ECONTAGO, who introduced the vision, objectives, and upcoming activities of the association for the academic year. The formal inauguration was marked by the ceremonial lamp lighting by the Chief Guest, Professor R. S. Deshpande, Former Director, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar School of Economics & Institute of Social and Economic Change, along with faculty coordinators and student office bearers. Professor Deshpande delivered a thought-provoking lecture on “Agricultural Growth and Goal of Zero Hunger: Challenges and Prospects of India,” focusing on India’s performance in the Global Hunger Index, the socio-economic realities of rural poverty, malnutrition, and the policy challenges of achieving food security. He urged students to approach economic data with critical inquiry, highlighting discrepancies in official statistics and the need for grounded analysis to address real-world issues.
The engaging session inspired students to reflect on the intersections of agriculture, development, and policy implementation in achieving equitable growth. Following the lecture, the department unveiled the first issue of EQUINOMICA, the official newsletter, and released the academic calendar featuring events, workshops, and flagship fests such as Arthotsav, Vrittee, and 1776 Syndrome. A promotional video curated by the media team was screened, building enthusiasm for upcoming initiatives. The ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Sreedevi R. S., faculty coordinator, expressing gratitude to the organizing team and participants. The session fostered academic curiosity and critical thinking among students, aligning with the global goal of achieving Zero Hunger (SDG 2) by deepening their understanding of sustainable agricultural growth and inclusive development.
The Community Lunch is a weekly community service initiative by Parivaar, the community service club of the Department of Hotel Management, CHRIST (Deemed to be University). Conducted from Monday to Friday in the Community Kitchen,the program involves students preparing and serving hygienic, nutritious meals to a specific group of students within the campus. Managed entirely by students under faculty supervision, this initiative provides around 350 freshly cooked meals every day, promoting values of service, empathy, and social responsibility.
Beyond its social impact, the initiative forms a vital part of the practical learning curriculum, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in large scale meal production, menu planning, food safety, and time management. The activity begins early each morning with students planning, preparing, and packaging meals following strict hygiene standards before distributing them by lunchtime. Through this initiative, participants not only refine their culinary and organizational skills but also cultivate teamwork, leadership, and communication abilities.
The Community Lunch exemplifies Christ University’s mission of Excellence and Service, merging professional learning with community contribution. It fosters inclusivity, supports students in need, and nurtures compassion alongside technical expertise making it a model for socially engaged, skill-based education that aligns with the global goals of reducing inequalities and promoting responsible consumption and community well-being.
The Department of Economics, Christ (Deemed to be University, Central Campus), organized a guest lecture on “Farmers in India: A Homogeneous Entity or a Differentiated Category” on 26th August 2023, featuring Dr. Sandipan Bakshi from the Agrarian Foundation as the resource person.
The session provided an academic platform for students to critically examine the complex and multifaceted realities of India’s agrarian sector. Dr. Bakshi explored how the term “farmer” is not uniform but deeply shaped by social, political, and economic structures, emphasizing how groups such as tenant farmers, sharecroppers, and women in allied agricultural activities often remain invisible in policy frameworks. He discussed the implications of caste hierarchies, class divisions, and local governance systems in determining who benefits from agricultural subsidies and land rights, thereby linking the topic to broader global concerns of inequality and sustainable livelihoods. The initiative contributed to the global UN Sustainable Development Goals by aligning with efforts toward reducing inequalities, promoting decent work, and ensuring food security.
Through a focus on inclusivity and equitable resource distribution, the lecture fostered awareness of how fair agricultural policies are essential for achieving economic justice and sustainable development. The session led to a significant knowledge gain among economics students, encouraging them to view farming not merely as an economic activity but as a deeply social and political process that influences livelihoods, food systems, and community resilience. It also strengthened students’ understanding of how research based policymaking can support long-term sustainability and rural empowerment. The beneficiaries of this initiative were undergraduate and postgraduate economics students, who gained new insights into the intersection of development economics, agrarian policy, and social equity, enriching their global and local perspectives on sustainable development.
The Department of Economics, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bannerghatta Road Campus, organized the Inauguration Ceremony of ECONTAGO – The Economics Association on 28 July 2023 .The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Taru Saigal, the faculty coordinator of ECONTAGO, who introduced the vision, objectives, and upcoming activities of the association for the academic year. The formal inauguration was marked by the ceremonial lamp lighting by the Chief Guest, Professor R. S. Deshpande, Former Director, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar School of Economics & Institute of Social and Economic Change, along with faculty coordinators and student office bearers. Professor Deshpande delivered a thought-provoking lecture on “Agricultural Growth and Goal of Zero Hunger: Challenges and Prospects of India,” focusing on India’s performance in the Global Hunger Index, the socio-economic realities of rural poverty, malnutrition, and the policy challenges of achieving food security. He urged students to approach economic data with critical inquiry, highlighting discrepancies in official statistics and the need for grounded analysis to address real-world issues.
The engaging session inspired students to reflect on the intersections of agriculture, development, and policy implementation in achieving equitable growth. Following the lecture, the department unveiled the first issue of EQUINOMICA, the official newsletter, and released the academic calendar featuring events, workshops, and flagship fests such as Arthotsav, Vrittee, and 1776 Syndrome. A promotional video curated by the media team was screened, building enthusiasm for upcoming initiatives. The ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Sreedevi R. S., faculty coordinator, expressing gratitude to the organizing team and participants. The session fostered academic curiosity and critical thinking among students, aligning with the global goal of achieving Zero Hunger (SDG 2) by deepening their understanding of sustainable agricultural growth and inclusive development.
The Community Lunch is a weekly community service initiative by Parivaar, the community service club of the Department of Hotel Management, CHRIST (Deemed to be University). Conducted from Monday to Friday in the Community Kitchen,the program involves students preparing and serving hygienic, nutritious meals to a specific group of students within the campus. Managed entirely by students under faculty supervision, this initiative provides around 350 freshly cooked meals every day, promoting values of service, empathy, and social responsibility.
Beyond its social impact, the initiative forms a vital part of the practical learning curriculum, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in large scale meal production, menu planning, food safety, and time management. The activity begins early each morning with students planning, preparing, and packaging meals following strict hygiene standards before distributing them by lunchtime. Through this initiative, participants not only refine their culinary and organizational skills but also cultivate teamwork, leadership, and communication abilities.
The Community Lunch exemplifies Christ University’s mission of Excellence and Service, merging professional learning with community contribution. It fosters inclusivity, supports students in need, and nurtures compassion alongside technical expertise making it a model for socially engaged, skill-based education that aligns with the global goals of reducing inequalities and promoting responsible consumption and community well-being.
