By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Dehradun: With the rapidly changing world enabled by technology in the age of AI, universities must move beyond conventional classroom teaching and prepare a new generation of economists and policy makers equipped to address the challenges. This was underlined by N. Ravi Shankar, former Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand during the Orientation Programme for undergraduate and postgraduate students of the Department of Economics at Doon University for the academic year 2026-27.
Ravishankar said that that the study of economics and other social sciences today extends far beyond understanding markets and national income. For meeting the future challenges, students must learn beyond their textbooks and adopt interdisciplinary approach of learning. Similarly, Universities must create learning environments that encourage innovation, interdisciplinary thinking, and engagement with real-world problems rather than limiting education to textbook knowledge.
The programm brought together an inspiring blend of academic excellence, public policy experience and institutional leadership, providing students with diverse perspectives on the evolving role of economics in society.
While welcoming the newly admitted students, Prof. Rajendra Mamgain, Dean, School of Social Sciences, Doon University observed that today’s economic landscape is being reshaped by artificial intelligence, climate change, digital transformation, geopolitical uncertainty, and rapidly changing labour markets. He argued that these developments demand economists and social scientists who are not only technically proficient but also socially responsible, ethically grounded, and capable of designing evidence-based public policies.
Dr. Gargi Dangwal, a young scholar who recently earned a PhD from a reputed international university, shared her encouraging academic journey and underlined the role of rigorous efforts, academic rigour and strategy to overcome failures. She said that there are huge career development opportunities for students provided they remain focussed and strategic in their approach. Recognizing the aspirations of Gen Z learners, she said that today’s students are digitally connected, globally aware, entrepreneurial, and eager to pursue careers that generate meaningful social impact.
Speaking on this occasion, Prof. Harsh Dobhal, Dr Ambedkar Chair Professor opined that today’s study of social sciences extends far beyond the text books. He highlighted the continuing relevance of social justice and inclusive development in contemporary economic policy. Students, he noted, must appreciate that economic growth becomes meaningful only when its benefits reach marginalized communities and contribute to reducing disparities across regions and social groups.
Dr. Ankit Nagar explained the course structure and its alignment with the goal of National Educational Policy on promoting interdisciplinary approach of learning and skill development. Senior students introduced Doon Economic Forum, wholly curated by them with an aim of making economics easy in approach and practical in its applications.
Throughout the programme, students actively participated in interactive discussions and question-and-answer sessions with the speakers. Their queries reflected keen interest in emerging career opportunities in public policy, civil services, international organizations, development agencies, economic consulting, research institutions, corporate analytics, entrepreneurship, and higher education.
The programme was also attended by the faculty of University including Dr Rahul Saxena, Dr Geetu Shama, Dr Manwendra Bartwal, Dr. Radha Tripathy, parents and students.
