Department of Economics
Shagun Jain
Batch 2007
Three years at Sri Venkateswara College (Venky) has been nothing short of an enriching, exciting and a fulfilling experience where I derived the freedom and flexibility to develop myself in every possible way. I got to know a great bunch of dynamic people and learnt a lot on a personal level. Undeniably, DU gives you the best platform to have the time of your life and I put that to good use!
For me, college was an unstructured and free environment where you can do things the way you like best. I'd like to say that as a batch we accomplished a lot and went beyond conventional thinking. We as a batch took an initiative and took our annual economic festival BLISSPOINT to a National Level to make it the Annual Economic Summit. This saw participation from all over the country. That was only possible because of the unconditional support rendered to us by our Principal Dr. A.S. Reddy, Economics Department and Office Administration. In 2005, a few students from the economics batch set up our first ever venture AASRA, which was conceived with a vision to create dynamic body of college students that aims at providing a platform for leadership, teamwork, creativity, professionalism, exposure and, most importantly, social sensitivity with having a "giving back to society" perspective. In a way, it was possibly a breeding ground for my entrepreneurial aspirations.
It is a completely different and challenging ball game right after college. However, I'd like to say that whatever I learnt at Venky through studies or clubs or general value systems, definitely prepared and groomed me to do what I aspired afterward.
CEO, Core Auto Components Pvt. Ltd.
Garima Duggal
Batch 2009
Reflections
Study of B.A (Honours) Economics in Sri Venkateswara College is a memorable experience. The influence of Economics Department is long lasting. Some of our recent pass outs brought to life the collegiate atmosphere during their times, their interactions with faculty, the seniors and juniors, enduring friendships, the studies, their participation in various cultural festivals and other programmes to recreate the essence of their memorable association with the department and the college as well.
The three year journey with Sri Venkateswara College has by far been one of the best times of my life. Venky, as we all call it, gave me the best of everything- best teachers, best guidance, best friends and above all best memories. When I joined this college, I had inhibitions that I would miss out on campus life. But I was proved wrong within a day or two. The atmosphere of this college is so lively and friendly that I always felt at home.
I can proudly say that I was taught by the best teachers of Delhi University. Venky has the most wonderful staff in its Economics Department. All my teachers took keen interest in the subject and made it interesting for us with regular class interactions. Doubts within and after class were always encouraged and our professors helped us in all the projects we made. I would specially like to thank Brahma Reddy Sir, K.K. Sir and Shailaja Mam who apart from helping us with the subject guided us about further studies.
Brahma Reddy Sir made sure that we were always informed about all the opportunities available that could benefit our career. I applied for Masters in Economics in National University of Singapore on his advice and am extremely satisfied with this decision. Apart from studies, the exposure this college provides through extra curricular activities- through the various societies like Choreography society, Social Service Society, etc and from the various events it organizes like Bliss Point is tremendous. Other than this, the extra efforts taken by the staff in organizing seminars and talks helpful for the students is worth mentioning.
The college life was amazing. I found the worlds most amazing friends during my college life. My attendance in college was 100% (though not in classes :). I always loved going to college and still love going there. I am extremely proud to be a part of this great institute.
MSS (Applied Economics) National University of Singapore, 2009-11
The Economics department of Sri Venkateswara College boasts of one of the best faculties in the Delhi University ensuring that the classroom interactions were always intellectually stimulating and created ample opportunity for everyone to contribute with their opinions. The college allows you to seamlessly combine studies with extra-curricular activities and sports. I distinctly remember Brahma Reddy Sir making an effort to organise and play in a cricket match for the Economics department. All my batch mates find themselves in enviable positions, either pursuing a post graduate degree or working in the corporate sector and it is not mere coincidence that all of us are doing well, it is the fruit of the hard work that the college has done in guiding us in the right direction.
A lot of clichés about college life and a lot of stereotypes about Economics Honours abound. You enter college, only to realize that it's a little bit of everything; of things you've been told, of things known, unknown, unexpected and some plain crazy.
Three years pass by before you realize it. You come a long way, from full attendance in first year to skipping class to play basketball by third year (albeit with an appropriate degree of guilt). Your daily diet begins to comprise rolls at Chowrangi, momos at tiffany's, plain dosas at the canteen (saving grace). You visit almost all the DU colleges at some point of time or the other; for competitions, publicity, fests, or just to kill time. And if you're in a cool society annual sojourns to an outstation campus for competitions are a given. From sponsorship, to drafting invites, hosting teams, conducting competitions; you get to experience all the behind the scenes action that goes into organizing any event in college.
As you move from grappling with indifference curves and partial differentiation in room 217, to Sumit Guha's theory of mortality decline, IS-LM curves and the Indian economic development in sunnier classrooms; you realize with a start, this is interesting and fun. That belief is only reaffirmed in third year where an eclectic range of subjects from development theory to Marxist thought, public economics, money and finance, econometrics, trade theory, Indian industry and Agriculture; are on offer. Of course by themselves, these subjects wouldn't be half as engaging or even understandable, had it not been for some excellent teaching carried out by an exemplary and amazingly dedicated faculty. Aruna Ma'am, DBR sir, KK sir, NK Ma'am, Padma Ma'am, Shailija Ma'am; even the peans that you sing of them seem inadequate. From developing a love of economics, to bringing out your latent potential, to making lifelong friends, to spending three wonderful memorable years, it's all thanks to college. Yes, college life is fun and the experience of Eco Honours even more so. I don't know about others, but for me. It was special because it was Venky.
M.A Economics, JNU (2009-2011)
Aditya Dugar
Batch 2008
14th July 2005, the first day of college still brings back fond memories. Our first introduction with the department teachers, welcoming us with open arms, warning us of the perseverance and effort needed to complete the course and yet encouraging us to explore the numerous opportunities to be offered. That was just the beginning to the best three years of life. Where on the one hand, the coursework got harder by the year, extra curricular activities, cultural events, music and economics society activities ensured the July-December period was always the best and most memorable, but yet, paradoxically, always remained a blur!
Three years of celebration and festivity of learning and bonding. My student life in the economics department at SVC is certainly the most memorable and inspiring time of my life. The inspiration to achieve the unachievable came from the dedicated faculty. Be it academic or my career path my professors were always around as my mentor to guide me. The Inspiration also came from my peers who were focused to leave a mark on the world. I have made few lifelong friends. My heart is filled with gratitude for all my wonderful teachers and the institution of SVC for broadening my horizons. I wish I can relive my college life once more.
M.A Economics (2010-2012)
Boston University, USA
Sri Venkateswara College a. k. a Venky was the place where I tasted freedom for the first time in my life. I can clearly remember a good majority of the lectures that I attended (my attendance was mostly in the 95+ range so you can imagine how good a memory I have). Even though I haven't really kept in touch with my professors, every single one of them has left a long lasting impression on me. What I remember the most are the discussions that I had with my professors outside the classroom.
Venky was a place which really liberated the way I thought. The friends that I made there are friends for life. The experience that I gained there by being an integral member of the organizing team of Blisspoint and other EcoSoc activities in the 1st and 2nd year have held me in good stead till now. EcoSoc would always be close to my heart and I still remember how the Economics Department clearly stood out in college. Not to forget the economics that I learnt in college and the love for dosa's and idli's that I developed while being in Venky.
16 July, 2005, the very first day of college brings back to me so many memories the major one being nervousness to face new peers and start all over again. However, the time healed it all. I still feel like reliving those moments spent in college. From the dosas and chai in the canteen, the run from Crystal photocopy to college for notes, Chourangi Lane, rooms T2 and T1 and the GCR, every place leaves a profound impact. Sri Venkateswara College has one of the most dedicated and approachable faculties I have ever across. Moreover, the guidance and help provided to me post-college by our teachers is commendable. The college helped me in honing up my personality by offering immense of extra-curricular activities, including the National Festival of the Economics Department-THE BLISSPOINT. To sum it up, Venky rocks and I am proud to be associated with it.
MBA, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (2008-10) Mumbai
Analyst, Investment Banking Division, JP Morgan Chase (Mumbai)
Debashis Bhadra
Batch 2008
Gaurav Chiplunkar
Batch 2008
Three things often define college: Faculty (and academics), friends and societies! We had the fortune of being taught by one of the best faculty one could hope for! Not only did they make economics more interesting and easy, but also taught us to appreciate the finer nuances of life, whose value I realize now. Not surprisingly, the most memorable times with the faculty were often outside the walls of the classroom: Fresher's welcome, College canteen, Department picnics, and farewell and of course in all the economic society events! I can distinctly recall the dash to reach the 8:45 class lest the door closes, the entire class trying to convince KK sir not to teach us in his 1:40 class (which of course, was often met with a "we shall all enjoy and understand Rajat Ray's article on pre-war industrialisation of India" response from him), DBR sir's extremely helpful guidance on entrance exams and useful courses and the list can never end. However, I shall be ever grateful to my faculty for their constant, unwavering support, guidance and encouragement in all my endeavours, both academic and non-academic: for giving me the courage to undertake new ventures, constantly supporting me during difficult times and guiding me in times of need.
Venkyyyyyy...eco alumni...eco soc....WMS....hot chai and samosa at the canteen...room 217 and 117...discussions and buddy talks with professors...debates, arguments, gossip, pep talk and the like with classmates...special permissions from profs to stay out of class for a competition/event organizing ;) stay backs until late
All these and more is what constituted three years of my precious life at the institution that I think gave me the best of all worlds...the name and the people associated will always resonate in my mind...
SVC… a college that allows us students to experiment and explore various options and ideas ... if you constructively want your innovative idea to take off, the Faculty and the leader at the helm of the college (during our times, Dr. A. S. Reddy) will give the adequate support...fresh outlook is encouraged and active student involvement is appreciated...
About the Dept of Economics and its faculty...the very fact that I yearn to stay in touch with my profs and add them on Gtalk and Face book is proof to the teacher-student relationship that existed...till date, I can say with confidence that if i ever want any form of guidance or help, be it in the academic field or sometimes dealing with certain challenges in life, I will surely look to some of them for help..
Coming to the dynamic Econs crowd at the college...boy do we rock! The batch of 2007 was instrumental in spearheading and establishing the Economics Alumni Council, a network to keep the alumni stronger and in some way keep them connected to their alma-mater…in 2006, the Annual
My passion for music and love for economics made me want to take active part in both the music and economic societies! Right from being able to help initiate the first ever distinguished-lecture-series, to the herculean task of organizing Blisspoint, economics society has always been a medium of exploring the non-academic side of Economics (Hons) and with the constant support of the faculty (and DBR sir in particular), the whole experience was indeed a very memorable one! Despite the frantic searching for sponsors, 'interactions' with college admin to clear bills, staying till late evenings planning the events, publication of the magazine, managing out-station teams and of course the extremely hectic three days of Bliss Point itself, it gave me a plethora of fond memories that I wish I could relive again!
Music society was a roller coaster ride from the beginning! Apart from the actual practicing for competitions, the two years could not be complete without mentioning the frequent trips to Chaurangee lane for rolls, washing down aloo tikkis and fried rice in the canteen with countless cups of tea over hours of random conversations, staying in college till 6-7pm on a regular basis (and of course facing some 'music' at home for it), performing in college meets, intra-college competitions, spending the year's winnings on a huge party and many more! Competitions within themselves were of course a great learning experience and obviously a lot of fun but it was the preparation for them that was even more memorable! They were some of the best times I have had in college and these memories I will cherish forever…
Sri Venkateswara College has been more than just a building. It has made me grow as an individual, has enabled me to rediscover my strengths and weaknesses, forge new friendships, accept greater responsibility, commit mistakes and learn from them. But most importantly, it has given me some amazing friends and even more memories to cherish in my journey onwards. The college is after all what I used to call: my second home!
M.Sc Economics, London School of Economics & Political Science, UK (2008-10)
M.Phil (Research) in Economics, University of Cambridge, UK (2010-11)
Meera Parthasarathy
Batch 2008
Economics Summit went National being one of the few economic symposiums in the University of Delhi to go onto that scale and Blisspoint 2009 was a show stealer as the event went INTERNATIONAL for the first time.
The batch of 2008 also launched a platform to encourage and inspire young entrepreneurs...The students of the department are also involved in the placement cell of the college to ensure that the students have access to the job opportunities that are available post graduation. The above mentioned steps would have never become milestones had the support not been given from all sides, is it students, the faculty or the officials of the institution.
I wish SVC many more years of glory!!! I firmly believe that it's what you make out of the institution you are in rather than what it makes out of you...Hail Sri Venkateswara College :)
MSS (Applied Economics) National University of Singapore, 2008-10
Aayush Khanna
Batch 2007
The influence of the Economic Department has been very crucial in my life. I have had Science background from school but always had an interest in Economics during school days as it was a very well known subject and the word 'economy' used to impress me a lot as it was very commonly used in the news and was in the lime light. When I got through Economics Honours in Sri Venkateswara College, I got to know how tough it was to get through a famous course in a famous college.
My life in Venkateswara College has been amazing. It has shaped up my life in an amazing way. I used to be a nerd in school, crept in books and had no social life. But Venky gave me a taste of everything be it good academics, cultural events, blood donation camps, Bliss point - annual eco fest, Debating Society, Dramatic Society, Model United Nations, Nexus - the
college fest. Taking part in all these events and representing my college in various events in Delhi and the country shaped my personality and made me an extrovert from an introvert. I made a lot of genuine friends, gained a lot of experience in debates and seminars and finally passed college with a First Division in Economics from DU which gives me immense pride and carries a lot of weightage in my resume. I thank teachers Ms. Padma Suresh, Mr. Brahma Reddy, Mr. Tulsidas, KK sir & Ms. Aruna Rao who have taught their subjects in the most graspable ways with the correct logic and effort. Their guidance in academics and our career ladder has been very crucial in where we are now.
I decided to take up my MBA immediately after my graduation. I did my MBA in Finance from IMT Dubai for two years after which I joined a local bank by the name of RAK Bank in Dubai as a Team Leader - Wealth Management for DSA (Direct Sales Associate). I have a team of 13 people under me who are reporting to me and I feel the essence of management techniques and classes in actual reality in this job profile.
Venky has been a great unforgettable experience and has shaped my life in a very crucial way that has been helping me till date in my career and lifestyle.
Three Cheers & Thanks to Venky!!!
MBA, IMT Dubai (2007-09)
Team Leader, RAK Bank, Dubai
My years at Sri Venkateswara College are among the most memorable of my life. It was year 2004, when I joined this college to pursue B.A (Hons) in Economics. The best brains from the entire country try for this college, and ultimately, the best of the best are selected. Interacting with such a pool of talent and learning to do things by oneself is a truly enriching experience.
My time at Venkateswara College has given me the opportunity to achieve and realize the potential in me. Not only the students were encouraged to excel in their academics but immense focus was given on other co-curricular activities. I personally have been a part of various debates and presentation activities which had helped me in overall personality development. Also, exposure to various seminars witnessing the presence of eminent speakers from the Government and the Industry, organized for the students, was indeed a great value addition at that stage of student life. Even with a challenging curriculum and high expectations of the faculty, I found myself enjoying the course with the help and support of my peers and friends in the programme.
Surabhi Pant
Batch 2007
The proficiency of the teachers and their constant motivation helped me achieve good results in my studies. With all the skills and knowledge that I have acquired at Venkateswara College, I was confident and ready to face all the challenges at my Masters level. I would most certainly recommend Sri Venkateswara College to other students because it helps you realize your goals and leaves you certain that they can actually be achieved!
MBE, University of Delhi (2007-09)
Research Associate, FICCI
MBA, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (2010-2012)
M.A Economics (2009-11), Delhi School of Economics
Sidhanth Hota
Batch 2009
Ankita Bagai
Batch 2008
Stuti Rawat
Batch 2009
E-mail message sent by Arjun Singh on the occasion of Teachers Day (September 5th, 2010)
Subject: Remembering Those Who Mean the World
I remember all of you quite often and contemplate writing a few lines but just don't know where to begin from. It has been almost 2yrs here at The Australian National University. In no way am I disappointed at my decision to study here. I have learnt to manage life by working part-time to pay off bills, living in a multicultural and vibrant environment and of course learning the most cutting edge economics of today.
Arjun Singh
Batch - 2008
This semester I am concentrating on econometrics-macro, micro and forecasting. I want to say that I feel so fortunate to have studied at Venkateswara. My love for the course was instilled by each one of you. I feel so honoured to have had such wonderful teachers. I cannot seem to find the right words.
I am grateful to have you as my teachers.
M.S Economics, Australian National University (2009-11)
Sri Venkateswara College
Benito Juarez Road, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi - 110021
Ph.: 011-24112196, 24118590, Telefax 011-24118535
principal@svc.ac. in
