The Department of Economics & Banking, in collaboration with Nirmala Institute of Education, Panaji, organized an International Conference on ‘Implications and Prospects of Human Capital Formation and Economic Development’ in hybrid mode on 11th April 2023.
During the inauguration of the Conference, the Principal of Shree Damodar College, Prof. Prita D. Mallya emphasized the relevance of the topic in current times. Ms. Lizette D’Costa, the Conference Coordinator, provided an overview of the Conference. The Chief Guest, Mr. Agnelo A.J. Fernandes, Commissioner of Labour & Employment, Govt. of Goa, spoke about the crucial role played by human capital in the development process. He shared his experiences as the Commissioner of Labour & Employment, Govt. of Goa, and discussed the measures implemented to enhance employment and employability in the State. The Vote of Thanks was proposed by the Principal of Nirmala Institute of Education, Prof. Sr. Delia Antao.
Dr. Mohd. Faheem, the Keynote Speaker and Head of the Indian Studies Programme at PridiBanomyong International College, Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand, addressed the audience on the topic of ‘The Role of Human Capital in Economic Development: Perspectives from Thailand’. He highlighted the significance of the education system in human capital development and discussed Thailand’s centralized policy toward achieving the same. Dr. Faheem also emphasized the need to include English in the curriculum, given its global importance.
Ms. Aileen Camara, the Founder of Healing Encounter Counselling Services, Australia, addressed a plenary session on ‘Work Stress Burnout and Productivity’. Ms. Camara’s informative session covered various aspects of stress, including its signs, burnout, and techniques for stress reduction and recovery.
In the first technical session, chaired by Dr. E. M. Travassos, former Head of the Department of Economics at Parvatibai Chowgule College, 8 research papers were presented on a range of topics, including migration, sustainable economic development, and the impact of psychological and emotional factors on women labor. The second technical session, moderated by Dr. Edwin Barreto, Vice-Principal of Shree Damodar College, was conducted online and featured 9 papers on various themes, such as the impact of hybrid learning/e-learning and work-life balance on job satisfaction. Prof. Seema P. Rath, Professor at the Department of Economics, Govt. College, Sanquelim, moderated the third technical session, which included 9 papers covering topics such as the review of the impact of behavioral factors on financial decision-making and entrepreneurship strategies of street food truck ventures for economic and social well-being. Dr. Maya Carvalho e Rodrigues, College Librarian at Nirmala Institute of Education, chaired the fourth technical session, which featured 10 papers from diverse fields, including gender inequality in education in Haryana, skill development initiatives, higher education, and women empowerment.
The Chief Guest of the valedictory function, Prof. Seema P. Rath, highlighted the significant connection between education, health and economic development. She commended the Conference for providing a platform for researchers to share diverse perspectives and ideas, which helped challenge assumptions and led to new insights. Prof. Rath expressed gratitude towards the organizers for their dedication and hard work. The Conference brought together researchers, academicians, and practitioners from across the globe to discuss the various aspects of human capital formation and its impact on economic growth and development.
