Prominent Economists Discuss India's Development and Sustainability at BML Munjal Memorial Lecture

BML Munjal University Launches Memorial Lecture Series, Focuses on India's Path to Sustainable Growth

BML Munjal University (BMU) hosted the inaugural BML Munjal Memorial Lecture at the India International Centre in New Delhi, featuring renowned economist Prof. Jeffrey D. Sachs. In his keynote, Prof. Sachs, Director of Columbia University's Center for Sustainable Development, highlighted the importance of balancing development, equity, and sustainability. He outlined strategies to help India address challenges in energy transitions, sustainable growth, and inclusive development, paving the way for a prosperous and sustainable India by 2047.

The session was attended by a distinguished audience, including policymakers, academics, students, and professionals, who participated in lively discussions on the challenges and opportunities India faces on its journey toward a sustainable future. Prof. Sachs emphasized the need for strong policy frameworks and collaboration between public institutions and the market to achieve equitable growth. India’s path to becoming a Viksit Bharat requires balancing economic growth with sustainability and social equity. While acknowledging challenges like environmental degradation, India has the potential to lead in sustainable development. However, it is important to integrate state and market dynamics, foster innovation, and promote global cooperation to help India emerge as one of the world’s top three economies.

Shyam B. Menon, Vice Chancellor of BMU, described the BML Munjal Memorial Lecture as a key cultural event in Delhi, honouring the city's tradition of discussions and debates. He emphasized that the series would bring together influential scholars and changemakers, reflecting BMU’s commitment to intellectual leadership. Menon expressed gratitude for Prof. Jeffrey Sachs delivering the inaugural lecture and highlighted the significance of the event as BMU works to establish a Centre for Public Policy and Governance.

Prof. Deepak Nayyar, Professor Emeritus at Jawaharlal Nehru University, chaired the lecture and led an engaging discussion. He stressed that development was achievable and required two key factors: equal social and economic opportunities for all and public provision of education and healthcare. Agreeing with Prof. Sachs, he noted that South Asia must tackle its challenges, and if China and India could shift from rivalry to cooperation, it would benefit the world. BMU’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and thought leadership was evident in the success of the inaugural BML Munjal Memorial Lecture. The event marked the beginning of a new initiative aimed at inspiring critical thinking and innovation in India’s pursuit of global leadership in sustainable development.

Editor's Note:

The inaugural BML Munjal Memorial Lecture hosted by BML Munjal University stands as a testament to the power of intellectual discourse in shaping the future of our nation. This lecture series is a call for actionable change in the critical areas of energy transitions, sustainable growth, and inclusive development. These areas are imperative for India's trajectory towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Moreover, emphasis on strong policy frameworks and the synergy between public institutions and the market offers a pragmatic blueprint for our progress. In line with this the commitment of BMU, to foster intellectual leadership and interdisciplinary dialogue is commendable. By establishing the Centre for Public Policy and Governance, BMU is not just contributing to academic scholarship but is also positioning itself as a pivotal player in the national and global discourse on sustainable development.

Skoobuzz believes that the BML Munjal Memorial Lecture is an inspiring initiative that urges us to think critically, act decisively, and collaborate globally to realize the dream of a prosperous India.