Marathonomics- Unlocking the Economics of Endurance

Marathonomics, a university-wide event held on October 3rd, 5th, and 7th, 2023, was a resounding success, orchestrated by the dedicated event coordinators under the expert guidance of Prof. Avichal Sharma and Dr. Tiny S Palathara. This three-day extravaganza aimed to demystify the fundamentals of economics and make them accessible to all students, providing practical insights into real-world applications of economic principles. With a blend of interactions, engaging activities, and exciting competitions, Marathonomics promised and delivered a day of learning, networking, and fun, becoming a gateway for understanding the importance and implementation of economics in our lives, in line with its theme and aim of "Whenever, Wherever - Economics."

The event kicked off with a screening test on October 3rd, 2023, designed to shortlist the top 40 participants from the 132 registered individuals for the second round. This test, based on basic economics and current affairs questions, set the stage for the intense competition that followed. On October 5th, 2023, the second round unfolded with five dynamic activities collectively known as the Economics Olympiad, featuring the top 40 participants selected based on their performance in the screening test.

The first activity, Econosphere, offered a thought-provoking group discussion platform focused on various aspects of the economic world, fostering exchanges of ideas, insights, and expertise among individuals passionate about economics, finance, business, and related fields. Delving into macroeconomics, microeconomics, international trade, policy, entrepreneurship, and emerging trends, Econosphere created a vibrant space for intellectual exploration.

Pictonomics, the second activity, took a creative turn with a Pictionary-based approach to economics. Students unleashed their enthusiasm and creative spirits as they visually conveyed economic concepts, making for an engaging and lively event.

The final three activities of the second round on October 5th, 2023, showcased diverse dimensions of economic understanding. Economics Overload challenged participants to identify economic terms displayed in videos, promoting active participation and enhancing their knowledge base. Model Economic and Social Council, replicating the format of a Model United Nations (MUN), became a highlight with healthy debates and interactions between judges and participants, contributing significantly to knowledge enrichment.

The grand finale, Economedia, unfolded as a video submission-based event on October 5th, 2023. Participants were tasked with portraying economic concepts behind campus facilities with a humorous touch, adding an element of creativity to the overall competition. Marathonomics proved to be more than just an event; it evolved into a roller-coaster of emotions intertwined with economics, witnessing tremendous participation and involvement from students across various departments.

The esteemed panel of judges, including Fr. Justin, Prof. Mudhasur, Dr. Ashaq, Prof. Pallavi, Prof. Pramila, and Dr. Lija, added a layer of expertise and evaluation to the event. Their presence and insights contributed to the success of Marathonomics, providing valuable feedback and recognition to participants.

The first place was secured by the team consisting of CJ Lakshmy , Ayesha Kapadia, Shubhaansh Kumar Shubh, Jyosna Philip, Ishan Mankotia.

The second place was secured by the team consisting of Joice Ann Mathew, Gargi Nadkarni, Harshil Mishra, Saummya Singh, Shreyansh Padraha.

The Third Place was secured by the team consisting of Anupam Kumar, Niveditha A, Kanishk, Sandeep Kumar G, Kripan

In conclusion, Marathonomics 2023 was a testament to the enthusiasm and intellect of the participating students, creating a memorable experience that fostered a deeper understanding of economics in a fun and engaging manner. The event, with its well-crafted activities and distinguished judging panel, left an indelible mark on the university landscape, reaffirming the importance of exploring economics beyond the confines of textbooks.

  Outcomes:                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Marathonomics 2023, as described earlier, was not just a series of activities but a transformative experience with far-reaching implications for the participants. The impact of the event can be categorized into several key outcomes that extend beyond the immediate event days:

1. Enhanced Economic Awareness: The immersive activities and discussions of Marathonomics undoubtedly left a lasting impact on participants' economic awareness. Beyond the theoretical knowledge gained from textbooks, attendees delved into practical applications, understanding how economic principles influence decision-making on individual, organizational, and societal levels. This heightened awareness serves as a foundation for informed citizenship and a more nuanced perspective on global economic issues.

2. Improved Problem-Solving Skills: The event's emphasis on applying economic concepts to real-world scenarios equipped attendees with valuable problem-solving skills. By engaging with economic challenges during activities like Economics Overload and Model Economic and Social Council, participants honed their ability to analyze situations critically and devise effective solutions. These skills are transferable, enhancing their capacity to make informed decisions in both personal and professional spheres.

3. Expanded Networks: Marathonomics served as a networking hub, facilitating connections among students, faculty, and industry professionals. The diverse range of participants and the esteemed panel of judges created an environment ripe for collaboration. These newfound connections could potentially lead to mentorship opportunities, collaborative projects, and even career prospects in the vast realm of economics and related fields.

4. Increased Confidence: The interactive nature of Marathonomics contributed to participants leaving the event with increased confidence. Engaging in activities like Econosphere and Model Economic and Social Council required them to articulate their thoughts, defend their perspectives, and actively participate in discussions. This newfound confidence extends beyond the event, empowering participants to contribute meaningfully to economic discussions and decisions in various aspects of their lives.

5. Inspiration and Career Paths: For some attendees, Marathonomics might have been the catalyst for discovering a passion for economics. The exposure to diverse activities, ranging from Econosphere discussions to creative events like Economedia, could inspire participants to consider further studies or pursue careers in economics. This ripple effect has the potential to shape the future of economics and related industries, as participants channel their newfound interest into meaningful academic and professional pursuits.