The Shashwat Panda Memorial Lecture series, hosted by IIT Bombay, is a deeply cherished initiative established in honour of the late Shashwat Panda, a distinguished and beloved alumnus whose untimely demise in 2017 was felt deeply across the community. Thanks to the generosity of Pureheart Capital Asia Limited and Shashwat’s brother, Satwik Panda, this lecture series commemorates Shashwat’s bright, inquisitive nature and academic excellence. Each lecture serves as a tribute to Shashwat’s enduring legacy, transforming the tragedy of his loss into a source of ongoing inspiration and learning for current and future students.

The annual event features prominent speakers who have significantly impacted their fields, sharing insights and experiences that resonate deeply with the academic community. This year, the lecture series featured Dr. Rakesh Mohan, former Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India and President Emeritus and Distinguished Fellow of the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP).

In his lecture, Dr. Mohan offered expert insights on ‘Escaping the Low Middle-Income Trap: The Imperatives of State Strengthening.’ He emphasized the crucial need for strengthening the state’s capacity to provide law and order, and basic services such as education and healthcare, to spur economic growth.

The talk was broadcast live can be viewed at the following link: Watch the Lecture.

The Shashwat Panda Memorial Lecture series stands as a poignant reminder of a remarkable individual whose spirit continues to inspire and educate. Through this enduring tribute, IIT Bombay celebrates the legacy of Shashwat Panda, fostering a tradition of excellence and thought leadership that profoundly impacts its community and beyond.