Meghnad Desai Academy of Economics

What happens when students work with real-world economic data and think independently?

At the Meghnad Desai Academy of Economics, it leads to rigorous, industry-grade research. As Prof. Panda shared, five student teams conducted applied macroeconomic projects on Indian data—working largely independently with selective guidance and using tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Datawrapper, and Python.

Project highlights:

• Estimated a Phillips Curve for India, showing inflation is driven more by supply shocks and expectations than unemployment.

• Built NEER & REER indices, finding the INR near fair value after inflation adjustment.

• Forecasted CPI inflation using ARIMA models and seasonal trends.

• Analysed budget trends alongside events like Demonetisation and GST.

• Studied currency circulation, identifying patterns linked to banking liquidity.

Prof. Panda noted that the quality matches research seen in leading financial institutions, showcasing strong real-world application of economics and data skills.

We were honoured to welcome Dr. Ajit Ranade, Chairman of the Academic Board at Meghnad Desai Academy of Economics (MDAE), to the campus on 9th February 2026.

As part of EconLab, MDAE’s initiative to foster rigorous dialogue on contemporary economic issues, Dr. Ranade delivered an insightful lecture on “India’s Growth Amidst Geopolitical Turbulence.”

Drawing on global developments, shifting trade dynamics, and India’s structural strengths, the session offered students a nuanced understanding of how geopolitics, external shocks, and domestic reforms interact to shape India’s growth trajectory. The lecture sparked thoughtful discussions on exports, global supply chains, resilience, and the policy choices that will define India’s economic future.

EconLab continues to serve as a platform where theory meets real-world complexity, and where students engage directly with leading thinkers shaping public discourse.

We thank Dr. Ranade for an enriching session and for his continued guidance and association with MDAE.

We were honoured to host Mr. Sesh Candra, Assistant General Manager at ICICI Bank, for an insightful lecture focused on aligning academic learning with evolving industry requirements. Drawing on his extensive professional experience in the banking and financial sector, Mr. Candra emphasised the importance of applying theoretical frameworks to real-world organisational contexts while cultivating a strong professional identity. The session encouraged students to critically reflect on the skills, competencies, and ethical standards expected in contemporary workplaces, making it a valuable addition to our ongoing efforts to bridge academic rigour with practical relevance.

On 29th November 2025, MDAE hosted an inspiring session by Dr. Raghav Narsalay, Partner at PwC, as part of its ongoing industry engagement initiatives. Speaking on the theme of Career Building, Dr. Narsalay used his own professional journey as a case study, sharing key milestones and personal experiences that shaped his growth. He highlighted how everyday challenges can be transformed into opportunities through problem-solving and perseverance. Emphasising the value of essential skills such as public speaking, writing, and research, he encouraged students to continuously invest in their personal and professional development to build meaningful and successful careers across diverse fields.

Mr. Indranil Sen Gupta, Professor of Practice of Economics at Shiv Nadar University and former Chief India Economist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, delivered a thought-provoking session at MDAE on India’s foreign exchange policy. He examined the structural and policy factors determining the strength of the Indian rupee, including the evolution of India’s growth model, trends in long-term FDI, the management of foreign exchange reserves, and the Reserve Bank of India’s policy framework. Through an incisive analysis, Mr. Sen Gupta offered insights into the delicate balance between maintaining currency stability and supporting economic growth, prompting reflection on whether India is ready for the rupee to assume a larger role in the global economy.