Prof. Dr. Pravinkumar Govind Shastri, Professor, Department of Management Studies, Sandip Foundation, Nashik, Maharashtra
Could you introduce yourself to our audience?
I am Prof. Dr. Pravinkumar Govind Shastri, currently
serving as a Professor at Sandip Foundation, Nashik, Maharashtra, in the
Department of Management Studies. I bring with me over 18 years of academic
experience and 3 years of industry exposure, with a specialization in Banking,
Financial Management, and Economics.
Throughout my academic career, I have had the privilege of
supervising three Ph.D. scholars who have successfully completed their doctoral
programs under my guidance. My research contributions include 22 published
papers across national, international, and Scopus-indexed journals, along with
five patents and five authored books.
In addition to teaching and research, I actively
participate in academic committees and professional forums. I am deeply
passionate about mentoring future professionals, enhancing financial literacy,
and contributing meaningfully to policy discussions in the fields of economics
and banking.
Could you walk us through your educational and professional journey leading up to your current role?
My academic journey began with a degree in Finance & International Business, followed by a Master’s in Management Studies (MBA – Finance). I then pursued and completed my Ph.D. in Banking and Finance from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad. Over the years, I have held various roles — from lecturer to academic coordinator — before stepping into my current position as Professor. My experience in the corporate sector provided practical insights that I now bring into my classroom, enhancing the connection between theory and practice for my students.
What are your areas of expertise in banking and economics, and how do you integrate these into your teaching, research, and academic responsibilities as a professor?
My key areas of expertise include Monetary Policy, Central
Banking, Financial Markets, Credit Management, and Risk Analysis. I integrate
these concepts into my teaching by using real-time data, case studies, and
policy simulations. In research, I focus on topics like digital banking,
financial inclusion, and policy impact assessments. Academically, I ensure that
the curriculum remains relevant by aligning it with current economic trends and
technological advancements in banking.
What motivated you to pursue a career in education, particularly in the field of economics and banking?
My inspiration came from a blend of personal curiosity and societal need. Economics and banking shape our everyday lives, from inflation to interest rates. I saw education as a powerful tool to empower students with knowledge that can directly impact their personal and professional decisions. The satisfaction of mentoring students, conducting meaningful research, and influencing economic thought at the grassroots level continues to drive me every day.
How do you evaluate the current monetary policies in India, and what improvements would you suggest to enhance economic growth?
India’s current monetary policies, especially those managed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), have shown resilience amid global uncertainty. The inflation-targeting framework and repo rate adjustments are being actively used to manage price stability. However, I believe there is scope for improvement in transmission mechanisms of these policies to the grassroots level. I would suggest greater coordination between fiscal and monetary policies, and a stronger push towards digital financial infrastructure to support inclusive growth.
How do global economic trends, such as recession or interest rate changes, affect the Indian banking industry?
Global economic trends have a direct impact on the Indian banking sector. For example, when the US Federal Reserve increases interest rates, it often results in capital outflows from emerging markets like India, pressuring the rupee and causing volatility. Recessions abroad can lead to sluggish exports and reduced FDI inflows, indirectly stressing Indian banks. To mitigate these effects, Indian banks must strengthen their risk management, diversify assets, and stay compliant with global regulatory norms like Basel III.
What advice would you offer to students who are preparing for a career in banking or economics?
Stay curious and committed to lifelong learning. The fields of banking and economics are evolving rapidly due to digital disruption, AI, and policy reforms. Build a strong foundation in economic theory, understand financial regulations, and most importantly, stay updated with current affairs. Internships, research projects, and certifications like NISM or CFA can give you a competitive edge. Finally, develop your analytical skills, communication, and ethical grounding—these are invaluable in this profession.
Post a Comment