AMRITSAR: In a remarkable display of academic prowess, Manpreet Kaur, a research scholar pursuing Ph.D under Dr Swati Mehta from Punjab School of Economics, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, a state university, emerged triumphant by securing the Best Paper Award at a recently concluded three-day Doctoral Colloquium(23-25 August, 2023) organised by Madras Institute of Development Studies (MIDS), Chennai. MIDS is an ICSSR research institute founded in 1971 by Malcolm Adiseshiah.
The scholars from eminent institutions across the country such as IITs, IIMs, MSE Chennai, IISER Bhopal, ISEC Bangalore, CDS Trivandrum, Delhi University, BITS Pilani, NIAS Bengaluru, TISS Tuljapurand Central and State universities participated with their cutting-edge research. The event, which saw an impressive gathering of scholars and experts, showcased the intellectual vigor of researchers from various prestigious institutions. The colloquium was enriched with diversity of papers in the various areas of Economic and Development studies such as, Gender, Migration and Development, Labour, Gender and Development, Productivity and growth, Health, Education and Environment-Climate.
Amidst this formidable assembly, Manpreet Kaur's research on "Exploring influences of Learning Mechanisms on Firms' Performance in Ludhiana's Manufacturing Firms" stood out as a beacon of insight and innovation as she got Best Paper Award with generous prize money of Rs. 3000/- with two invaluable economics books to further enrich her scholarly journey. Manpreet's work delves into the intricate relationship between learning mechanisms and the performance of manufacturing firms especially Textile and Machine tool firms in Ludhiana, an industrial hub renowned for its vibrant manufacturing landscape.
Three best papers were selected by expert committee. Her paper not only captures the essence of Ludhiana's economic ecosystem but also sheds light on the nuanced interplay between learning, adaptation, and business success. Driven by a passion for understanding how knowledge acquisition influences the growth trajectories of local enterprises, she embarked on a journey that culminated in this well-deserved recognition. Dr. Santosh Kumar Sahu (IIT Madras), a distinguished academician who was discussant of her session of the colloquium, praised Manpreet's work, stating, "Congratulations on conducting primary survey on manufacturing firms which is quite challenging. The insights unearthed in the paper can potentially reshape the strategies of manufacturing firms”. Manpreet Kaur's achievement also underscores the importance of fostering diversity and inclusivity within academic circles.
The fact that a scholar from a state university could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with her counterparts from renowned institutions serves as an inspiration for aspiring researchers across the country. It serves as a reminder that dedication, diligence, and innovative thinking are the cornerstones of meaningful research, capable of transcending geographical boundaries and institutional affiliations. With her award-winning research, Manpreet Kaur not only elevates her own academic journey but also contributes to the broader pursuit of knowledge and its application in real-world contexts. As Ludhiana's manufacturing firms stand on the brink of transformation, her work promises to be a guiding light in their pursuit of excellence.