Ecolore XI

Peace is not merely a political ideal but an economic necessity. In keeping with this spirit, Ecolore XI, the annual academic summit of the Department of Economics, Loreto College, Kolkata, was organised on November 22, 2024. The event provided a platform for young minds from Kolkata to express their perspectives on the theme "Contemporary Issues on Peace, Justice, and Development: Role of Institutions and Public Policy," embodying a convergence of knowledge, unity, and learning.

The programme began with an inaugural address by the Teacher-in-Charge of Loreto College, Sr. Dr. A. Nirmala. This was followed by the keynote speech by Prof. Saibal Kar, the RBI Chair Professor of Economics at CSSSC and an esteemed academic in Labour Economics, who shared his in-depth insights on "The Economics of Geopolitical Shifts."

Colleges from across the city participated enthusiastically in the four events of the festival: "Pitch the Plight" (Paper Presentation), "Words Over Swords" (Debate), "Visual Voice" (Poster Making), and "Tract on Track" (Essay Writing).

In the first event, "Pitch the Plight", Loreto College, Jadavpur University, and Bethune College secured the first, second, and third positions respectively. In "Visual Voice", Presidency University, Loreto College, and Shri Shikshayatan College emerged as the top three awardees. Eminent judges Dr. Debashish Majumder and Prof. Suparna Gangopadhyay evaluated these events, offering their expertise and profound insights.

The subsequent event was the debate competition, where the motion discussed was: "Establishing a Public Policy Institute to Review and Propose Reforms on Social Justice and Economic Equality." Mr. Pradeep Gooptu and Mr. Shankar Ramalingam served as the distinguished judges, critically assessing the participants. Lady Brabourne College claimed three awards, including Best Speaker for both sides of the motion and Best Team for Debate.

In the online essay-writing competition, "Tract on Track", the top positions were secured by Scottish Church College, Loreto College, and Asutosh College, with assessments by academicians Prof. Simanti Bandopadhyay and Dr. Jaya Mukherjee. Loreto College emerged as the Best College, with multiple wins across various events. The academic fest concluded with a valedictory session led by the Organising Secretaries, Priya Nathvani and Angana Mandal, marking the successful conclusion of Ecolore XI.