Ashoka University Economics Society in collaboration with Isaac Centre for Public Policy had the privilege of hosting Gurcharan Das, former CEO of Procter & Gamble India, for an insightful session on India’s economic journey since 1991 and the roadmap to 2047.

Mr Das framed 1991 as India’s true economic independence, highlighting how these reforms lifted about 447 million people from poverty, but failed to spark an industrial revolution- a critical gap in India’s development story.

International trade and urbanization have been two important engines of economic growth for countries around the globe. However, in recent years, both have encountered significant disruptions. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to remote work, prompting demographic shifts as people relocated away from urban centers, raising questions about the future of cities and labor markets. At the same time, post-pandemic industrial policies—ranging from subsidies to tariffs—have placed new pressures on global trade dynamics, reshaping supply chains and economic relationships between nations. As cities have historically thrived as hubs of commerce and international exchange, these shifts in trade policies and workforce distribution are redefining the economic role of urban centers. Against this evolving landscape, this talk will explore pressing issues and emerging ideas in urban and labor economics, as well as international trade, offering insights into how these forces continue to shape economic development.

We’re thrilled to share that the Isaac Centre for Public Policy (ICPP) at Ashoka University joined as the Knowledge Partner for our academic competitions at Equilibrium 3.0, Ashoka’s annual economics fest.

ICPP is dedicated to becoming India’s leading hub for public policy research and ideas, contributing to inclusive, sustainable, and accelerated growth for the nation. In line with this vision, ICPP collaborated on four innovative, academically-driven events that brought learning into real-world application:

Content Highlights

1. Overview of Indian Regulatory Systems and Financial Regulators

2. Navigating Indian Regulatory Systems

3. Understanding the Interplay of MoF, RBI, and SEBI

4. Inside the Regulator’s Room: Unveiling the Decision-Making Process

5. Mastering Regulatory Consulting: Effective Engagement Strategies

6. Connecting the Dots: Identifying and Engaging with Key Regulatory Stakeholders

7. Navigating Competition: The Role of the Competition Commission

8. Decoding the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board

9. Private Sector Insights on Effective Regulatory Engagement

10. Legal Perspectives on Engaging Effectively with Regulators

11. Unlocking Opportunities: IFSCA Offerings for PE/VC Firms, Banks, and Financial Institutions