JAIN (Deemed-to-be University)

Bengaluru, 4 February 2026: JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) successfully hosted the third edition of the International Conference on “Aging and Cognition: A Lifespan Approach towards Adaptation & Neuroplasticity” over two days, bringing together national and international experts to examine cognitive aging through multidisciplinary perspectives.

The conference commenced on 02 February 2026 and was convened by Dr Mamatha K, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, School of Sciences. The inaugural session was formally opened by Dr Pooja Varma, Co-Chairperson and Head, Department of Psychology, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University). The inaugural address was delivered by Dr Jitendra Kumar Mishra, Vice-Chancellor In-charge and Registrar, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) who highlighted the growing significance of cognitive research in the context of increased life expectancy, demographic transitions and age-related cognitive challenges. He underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing research and practice in aging and mental health.

Dr Shraddha Kanwar, Chief Academic Officer, addressed the social dimensions of aging, drawing on Indian cultural perspectives and emphasising the role of family systems, intergenerational bonding and social engagement in supporting cognitive health. The keynote address by Dr Renuka Prasad, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, focused on aging as a dynamic and individualised process, distinguishing between chronological and biological aging and highlighting neuroplasticity as a lifelong capacity.

A distinguished lecture by Dr Jamuna Rajeshwaran explored neuroplasticity in older adults, challenging myths around irreversible cognitive decline. This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma, NIMHANS, with senior experts from psychiatry, psychiatric social work and neuropsychiatry examining biological, psychological and social determinants of cognitive aging.

Day 2 featured expert-led sessions on dignity therapy, diversity in aging, cognitive super-aging and art-based interventions, alongside a panel discussion on geriatric mental health challenges, workforce gaps and policy needs. Technical sessions across both days provided a platform for researchers and practitioners to present empirical work on active aging, caregiver resilience, lifestyle interventions and technology use.

The conference concluded with technical evaluations and scholarly discussions, reinforcing the importance of adaptation, neuroplasticity and holistic approaches to healthy aging. The event marked a significant academic milestone for the University, strengthening dialogue between research, practice and policy in aging and cognitive sciences.

Bengaluru, 29 January 2026: The Department of Economics at JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) hosted an interactive workshop titled “Why Do I Have Cholera and You Don’t?” to introduce students to experimental methods in applied economics and the challenges of establishing causal relationships in real-world settings. The session took place on 29 January 2026 and was attended by undergraduate and postgraduate students across economics and related disciplines.

The workshop was designed to address a growing gap in economics education, where traditional curricula focus heavily on theoretical models and statistical tools but offer limited exposure to practical research design. Using the relatable public health example of cholera, the session illustrated the complexities of identifying causality, highlighting issues such as selection bias, confounding variables, and the importance of counterfactual analysis.

Structured as a two-hour intensive session, the workshop covered the foundations of causality, principles of experimental design, and the role of randomised control trials (RCTs) in development and applied economics. Students learned how RCTs help isolate treatment effects and inform policy decisions in areas such as health interventions, education programmes, poverty alleviation, and behavioural economics.

The session also addressed ethical considerations and practical limitations of field experiments, including informed consent, cost, generalisability, attrition, and non-compliance. These discussions provided students with a balanced perspective on both the power and constraints of experimental research.

Faculty members highlighted the significance of the workshop in bridging the gap between theory and practice. “Engaging with real-world examples allows students to appreciate the methodological rigour required in economic research and the implications for policy design,” said Ms. Ananya Kulkarni.

The event reinforced the Department’s commitment to providing experiential learning opportunities and equipping students with skills relevant to research, policy evaluation, and evidence-based decision-making. By exposing students to contemporary experimental methods, the workshop strengthened the JAIN (Deemed-to-be University)’s mission to promote applied knowledge and critical thinking in economics education.

Bengaluru, 30 January 2026: The Department of Economics at the JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) hosted a student-led Pre-Budget Session 2026, providing a platform for students to analyse and discuss the Union Budget of India 2026. The session aimed to enhance understanding of macroeconomic conditions, fiscal priorities, and sectoral allocations, and took place with participation from undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The session was designed to bridge theoretical economic concepts with real-world fiscal policymaking and encourage evidence-based policy analysis. Students critically examined budget expectations across key ministries and sectors, developing analytical skills in interpreting fiscal policy measures and understanding the trade-offs and constraints inherent in budget formulation.

Discussions covered expectations from multiple ministries and sectors: the Finance Ministry’s role in ensuring macroeconomic stability and fiscal discipline; the Defence Ministry’s focus on security, technological advancement, and strategic spending; the Agriculture Ministry’s efforts towards farmer welfare, structural reforms, and climate resilience; and the Power and Mining Ministry’s balance of energy security, sustainability, and industrial growth. Additional sessions addressed the contributions of the MSME sector to employment and inclusive growth, as well as infrastructure investment as a key driver of long-term economic development.

Faculty members emphasised the session’s strong academic and practical value, noting that engaging students in a detailed, ministry-wise budget analysis helped cultivate critical thinking and better prepared them to assess complex economic policies. The exercise also enhanced students’ confidence in presenting policy perspectives and provided clearer insights into budgetary processes, including the challenges involved in balancing growth, sustainability, and inclusivity in fiscal planning.

The Pre-Budget Session 2026 exemplifies the Department’s commitment to outcome-based learning and participatory pedagogy, strengthening student engagement with contemporary economic issues. By integrating theoretical knowledge with applied policy analysis, the event contributed to a deeper understanding of India’s fiscal landscape and prepared students to evaluate and discuss policy measures in a rigorous, evidence-based manner.