The Royal Thimphu College, home to the Rational Expectations Economics Society, orchestrated an enriching and collaborative event, the ‘Rethinking Economics Festival,’ from October 26 to 29, 2023. This festival wasn’t just an academic gathering but a platform fostering stronger ties between India and Bhutan through the exchange of ideas and knowledge.
A key highlight of the festival was the participation of a 12-member team from Delhi University, joining undergraduate economics students from Royal Thimphu College. This amalgamation of academic minds from different countries set the tone for a rich tapestry of insights and discussions. The festival aimed to promote collaboration, and this was underlined by the keynote address from Prof. Sudeep Chkaravarti, Director of the Centre for South Asian Studies, Dhaka. His address emphasized the necessity for collaboration between India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, signifying the interwoven challenges faced and the shared responsibility in finding solutions.
The festival’s activities were diverse and engaging, including a panel discussion on “Youth Unemployment: trends, challenges, and future pathways,” expertly moderated by Dr. Milan Thomas, an economist from the Asian Development Bank’s Bhutan country office. The discussion shed light on the similar challenges faced by both countries and highlighted the need for greater collaboration to address these common issues.
A notable aspect was the student-led examination of food security issues in both India and Bhutan. They proposed measures such as enhancing collaborative R&D, establishing a food bank, and improving supply chain networks between the two countries. The festival also included quiz competitions, presentations, and group work, focusing on solidifying the momentum gained for future collaborations between the student communities of both nations. The students devised a framework for reciprocal visits and the creation of a digital platform for continued academic interactions.
The valedictory session received a special address from Brigadier Jaswinder Singh, the Chief Engineer of Project Dantak, enriching the festival with insights from the field. In addition to the academic engagements, students had the opportunity to explore Thimphu and Paro, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other’s cultures.
Feedback from participating students highlighted the festival’s success in establishing personal connections and fostering cultural understanding. It not only sowed the seeds for academic collaboration but also laid the foundation for enduring bonds between the student communities of India and Bhutan. The festival served as a catalyst for the rethinking of economic solutions through collaboration, trust, and shared knowledge, transcending borders for a brighter, interconnected future.
