The Department of Economics, University of Kashmir (KU), inaugurated EconFest 2025 — a week-long academic festival dedicated to research, innovation, and policy dialogue in economics and allied fields.
The event, being held from November 11 to 15 at the Main Campus, aims to develop collaboration among scholars, policymakers, alumni, and students through a series of academic sessions, exhibitions, lectures, and creative engagements.
Vice-Chancellor, KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, in her address, said, “We are proud to host a platform that not only celebrates economic scholarship but also connects our scholars, alumni, and experts with the pressing developmental priorities of our region and country.”
She added that EconFest 2025 reflects the University’s commitment to nurturing a dynamic academic space where research drives policy, ideas translate into action, and young minds engage with real-world economic challenges.
Dean Academic Affairs, KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, said that such initiatives play a crucial role in enhancing research culture and interdisciplinary collaboration within the university.
Dean Research, KU, Prof. Mohammad Sultan Bhat, said that EconFest provides an excellent opportunity for students and faculty to explore innovative ideas and policy solutions for sustainable development.
Dean, School of Business Studies, KU, Prof. Mushtaq Darzi, highlighted the need to link academic research with real economic issues to promote evidence-based policymaking.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Head, Department of Economics, Prof. Effat Yasmin, said that EconFest 2025 represents the department’s vision to strengthen academic networks and inspire young economists to contribute to the regional and national economy.
EconFest 2025 celebrates the department’s legacy of scholarship while promoting meaningful conversations on developmental challenges, economic opportunities, and future-ready skills.
The festival features several flagship events, including an alumni meet, a high-level panel discussion on the economy of Kashmir, the Annual Economics Lecture by eminent economist Prof. Farzana Afridi (ISI New Delhi), the 9th Annual CECFEE Research and Policy Workshop of ISI New Delhi, a thematic painting competition on shrinking wetlands, exhibitions by local entrepreneurs, and capacity-building workshops for young researchers.
The event proceedings of the inaugural session were conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Mariam and Dr. Rahul Kundal, faculty members at the department of Economics KU, while the vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Javaid Iqbal, organising secretary and faculty at the department of Economics KU.
The inaugural session witnessed the participation of prominent alumni, faculty members, scholars, and students of the University. Some of the distinguished senior alumni who have immensely contributed to the department were also felicitated on the occasion.
