Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 26: Yenepoya Research Centre for finance and entrepreneurship development (YEN-REFINED), a research centre of The Yenepoya Institute of Arts, Science, Commerce and Management (YIASCM), Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) in association with Mangalore University is organising a five-day national level workshop on 'Econometrics Analysis in Leading Academic Journal: Hands on Practice' from September, 24 to 28 in Kulur campus Mangaluru. This workshop is focused on the art of econometric analysis that unlocks the stories hidden within numbers, stories that drive academic research and inform the world's most critical decisions.
The workshop commenced with an inaugural ceremony on September 24. The inaugural session commenced with a prayer led by Yasir Sultan of I year B Com, YIASCM. The event began with the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries: Prof P L Dharma, Hon vice chancellor of Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri as a chief guest, and Dr Mohamad Aslam a post-doctoral fellow at IISER- Mohali, Punjab as the guest of honour.
The ceremony was presided over by Prof Arun A Bhagwath, principal & dean faculty of science, YIASCM alongside other esteemed guests, including Dr Shareena P, vice principal & dean faculty of commerce and management, YIASCM, Dr Jeevan Raj, vice principal, YIASCM, Dr Niyaz Panakaje, associate professor and coordinator of YEN-REFINED, YIASCM and Dr Wajeeda Bano, assistant professor, department of economics, Mangalore University. The lighting of the lamp symbolized the enlightenment and quest for knowledge, followed by a welcome address and introduction of guest by Rovina Sharon Soans, assistant professor of YIASCM, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University).
During the Inaugural session, Dr Niyaz Panakaje emphasized the workshop’s significance, highlighting the importance of econometrics in research and publication in top-tier journals. The chief guest, Prof P L Dharma underscored the vital role of research in agriculture, industry, politics, and international relations, highlighting its impact on everyday life through advancements in medicine, food security, and vision care. While acknowledging research's societal contributions, he raised concerns about its commercialization, where funding agencies influence outcomes to fit their agendas. Citing the example of manipulated AIDS data in India, Prof Dharma warned how corporate interests can skew research. He critiqued the field of econometrics, noting that the pressure to publish in top-tier journals can shift the focus away from meaningful, ethical research. Despite econometric rigor, he emphasized that the true purpose of research should be societal impact, not meeting publication metrics. Prof Dharma urged scholars to maintain integrity and authenticity, encouraging them to pursue research that addresses real-world problems and drives societal development. His message inspired participants to become agents of change, using their research to foster positive transformations and uphold the moral responsibility of academia.
Dr Mohamad Aslam, the guest of honour, discussed the significant transformations in the world over the past centuries, highlighting the rapid population growth and industrial advancements. He emphasized the critical role of social science in understanding and shaping political, social, and economic structures in this evolving world. Dr Aslam pointed out that modern challenges, such as environmental disasters and inequality, require serious research to develop sustainable solutions. He raised concerns about the manipulation of data, especially in areas like poverty estimation, where political and economic interests often distort reality. Using his research on occupational transformation among Agro-pastoral communities, Dr Aslam highlighted the importance of accurate data, especially in underrepresented areas. He stressed the need for researchers to challenge flawed data and methodologies with logical, evidence-based arguments. Dr Aslam also cautioned against conducting research solely for publication, noting that meaningful research is driven by a genuine desire to address societal challenges. He concluded by addressing modern issues like the effects of the pandemic on education and the potential challenges of AI, reminding participants that research must account for human complexity. His call for authenticity, ethical research, and the courage to challenge established narratives deeply motivated the participants to pursue research that makes a real impact on society.
Prof Arun A Bhagwath, the principal and dean-faculty of science, in his presidential remarks emphasized the significance of the event in deepening research and its economic implications. He highlighted the transformative impact of technology, particularly AI and machine learning, on decision-making processes and research methodologies, referencing the concept of "digital immortality," where personal data creates a replicable digital identity. Prof Arun A Bhagwath discussed rapid technological advancements, citing the swift development of COVID-19 vaccines as a testament to AI's capabilities, and introduced the idea of cryo-preservation for future biological restoration alongside the implications of neural networks in data analysis. He stressed the importance of translational research that relies on truthful data to address societal gaps, urging researchers to prioritize creative thinking, collaboration, and ethical values. He concluded by thanking the participants and collaborators, advocating for more workshops to enhance research efforts in the region.
Dr Wajeeda Bano, assistant professor, department of economics, Mangalore University delivered the vote of thanks for the inaugural session and Dr Shakira Irfana, associate professor of YEN-REFINED, YIASCM hosted the session.
The inaugural session seamlessly transitioned into a knowledge acquiring session for the next 5 days by the resource person Dr Mohamad Aslam, a Post-Doctoral Fellow at IISER- Mohali, Punjab. 32 selected participants from various institutes have registered. The key takeaways will surely enhance the research scholars’ capabilities with the participation in this workshop. The session concluded with a formal photograph.