Srinagar Nov 16: The University of Kashmir (KU) successfully concluded EconFest 2025, a five-day festival organised by the Department of Economics to promote academic scholarship, policy dialogue, research collaboration, and youth engagement.

The festival included participation of economists, policymakers, alumni, researchers, entrepreneurs and students from leading national and international institutions.

Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan in her message said, "EconFest reflects the University’s commitment to creating academically vibrant spaces where scholars, policymakers, and students can meaningfully interact, exchange ideas, and contribute to the economic development of the region."

She added that such initiatives strengthen the research culture and inspire young minds to pursue evidence-based inquiry.

The week-long festival featured a diverse range of academic and outreach activities, including the department's Alumni Meet 2025, a major Panel Discussion on “J&K Economy – Development Issues and Way Forward,” the Annual Economics Lecture by Prof. Farzana Afridi (ISI Delhi), and the 9th Annual CECFEE Research & Policy Workshop held in collaboration with ISI New Delhi. The CECFEE sessions, featuring eminent scholars from globally reputed universities and research institutes, offered young researchers exposure to frontier work in climate economics, energy transitions, agriculture, behavioural science, gender, and public policy.

Parallel activities such as a painting competition on wetland conservation and an exhibition of local entrepreneurs promoted awareness of ecological issues and showcased grassroots innovations. Youth-focused events including 'Think Link' and the 'Young Scholars’ Workshop' provided students with hands-on engagement, mentoring, and capacity-building sessions in research design, data analysis, and policy communication.

Head, Department of Economics KU and convenor of the event, Prof. Effat Yasmin; and organizing secretary and faculty at Department of Economics, Dr. Javaid Iqbal both expressed gratitude to all participants, alumni, and invited experts for making the festival an academically enriching and intellectually stimulating experience.

EconFest 2025 reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to advancing economic scholarship and contributing to informed policy discourse in Jammu & Kashmir.

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