The Department of Economic Sciences at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) commenced its three-day Campus Immersion Programme for the participants of its unique eMasters degree programs, running from May 9 to May 11, 2025. The event marked a significant milestone in the Institute's continuous efforts to expand and evolve its academic offerings in line with global standards.

The eMasters program at the Department of  Economic Sciences at IIT Kanpur includes specialized degrees in Business Finance and Public Policy (BFPP) and Climate Finance and Sustainability (CFS).

The eMasters initiative is a key part of IIT Kanpur's broader growth journey. Designed for working professionals, these programs deliver cutting-edge knowledge in high-demand fields such as data science, cyber security, public policy, and financial technology — all through a flexible, modular, online format.

As part of the immersion program, participants had the opportunity to engage directly with the campus, interact with faculty, and witness first-hand the academic rigor and vibrant research culture of the Institute. A key event highlight was a presentation by Prof. Tarun Gupta, Dean of Resource & Development (DoRD) at IIT Kanpur, who showcased IIT Kanpur's academic departments, advanced research facilities, and technological innovations. His session emphasized the multi-disciplinary research and real-world impact of innovations originating from IIT Kanpur. 

The event also featured insightful presentations and discussions led by distinguished experts in public policy and sustainability, including both academics and industry leaders. Dr. Ajay Kumar, Ex-Defence Secretary, Government of India, led a discussion on the geopolitical challenges surrounding maritime fishing resources. Dr. Surendrakumar Bagde, currently Director General at the National Centre for Good Governance, shared his perspective on sustainability practices in the age of climate change. Dr. Kumar Alok, former Chief Secretary to the Government of Tripura, provided an analysis of sustainable biomass energy from a public policy perspective.

Additional sessions addressed critical global issues. Prof. Rajeev Jindal, Professor of Practice at IIT Kanpur, explored climate finance and its role in climate change mitigation. Mr. Indranil Chatterjee, Senior Vice President of International Carbon Exchange (ICX), delved into carbon markets. Prof. Pradip Swarnakar, Head of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Kanpur, discussed the concept of a just transition. These topics are highly relevant in today's policy and environmental landscapes.

The participants engaged in an open Question and Answer session, discussing topics ranging from research opportunities and faculty interactions to the future roadmap of the eMasters programs. Prof. Vimal Kumar, Faculty-in-charge of Outreach Activities at IIT Kanpur, Prof. Sohini Sahu, Prof. Wasim Ahmad, Prof. Bikramaditya Datta, Prof. Sanjiv Kumar, and several Ph.D. scholars were also present during the program.

The immersion program offered students an invaluable opportunity to connect with peers, experience the vibrant campus environment, and engage meaningfully with faculty, further strengthening their bond with IIT Kanpur’s legacy of academic excellence and innovation.