Rikhia Bhukta

Rikhia Bhukta

Research Fellow at IIT Kanpur

I am a third year PhD student in the Department of Economic Sciences at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. My research interest lies in development economics, applied econometrics and policy evaluation. More specifically, I am interested in studying the driving factors behind economic and social progress of marginalised communities in India, like women and marginalised castes. I have a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in economics from Jadavpur University, Kolkata.

Working Paper

Community Electrification and Women’s Autonomy

Co-authored with Dr. Debayan Pakrashi, Dr. Sarani Saha and Dr. Ashish Kumar Sedai

https://cama.crawford.anu.edu.au/publication/cama-working-paper-series/21106/community-electrification-and-womens-autonomy

Education

Pursuing Ph.D. in Economics from Indian Institute of  Technology (IIT) Kanpur, India

Supervisors: Dr. Sarani Saha (IIT Kanpur)
Dr. Ashish Sedai (University of Texas at Arlington)

Coursework CPI: 10/10

Area of interest: Impact Evaluation, Development Economics, Applied Econometrics

2021–Present

2018–2020

M.A. in Economics, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India

CPI: 10/10

B.A. in Economics, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India

CGPA: 9.83/10

2015–2018

Achievements

2020 Received the ’Best Girl Graduate’ medal for excellent academic performance (2015-2020)
in Jadavpur University

2020 :  Secured rank 1 in M.A. examination in the batch of 2020 of the department of economics,
Jadavpur University

2020 :  Secured rank 1 for scoring highest among all the PG courses in the Faculty of Arts,
Jadavpur University

2019 Secured AIR 2 (JRF) in UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) in Economics; Eligible as Junior Research Fellow and for Lectureship in India

2018 Secured rank 1 in B.A. examination in the batch of 2018 of the department of economics,
Jadavpur University

2018 Secured rank 1 for scoring highest among all the UG courses in the Faculty of Arts,
Jadavpur University

2015 Secured state rank 8 in 12th standard board examination (WBCHSE)

2013 Secured state rank 14 in 10th standard board examination (WBBSE)

Positions Held

  1. Department Placement Coordinator, IIT Kanpur, Academic Year, 2023-24
  2. Member, Organising Committee, Young Economist Students’ Meet, 2018, Jadavpur University

Teaching

  1. Teaching Assistant, NPTEL course: Microeconomics:  Theory and Applications by Dr. Deep Mukherjee

Software Skills

  • Statistical softwares : STATA
  • Writing : Latex
  • Other softwares : Nesstar

Hobbies and Interests

Beyond the realms of economic theories and data analysis, I find solace and inspiration in various forms of artistic expression.

Painting is one of my greatest passions. Starting at the age of five, I have been trained in various mediums of art, such as watercolour, acrylics and oil, among which watercolour is the closest to my heart. Art is not just a pastime for me; it’s a form of expression that complements my academic rigor. The strokes of a paintbrush and the blending of colours on a canvas create a parallel to the intricate theories I unravel in economics. My love for painting isn’t confined to leisure; it’s a journey of self-discovery that helps me perceive the world from different perspectives. Through an art blog, I share this journey with others, inviting them to explore the intersection of aesthetics and intellect. My canvases often reflect my fascination with celestial bodies like the moon, and flowers.

Beyond the visual arts, my heart resonates with the melodious notes of classical music. Having trained in the rich Bishnupur Gharana of Indian classical music for five years, I have come to appreciate the harmonious balance between structure and creativity—a concept that mirrors the intricacies of economic systems. This musical journey has not only honed my discipline and dedication but has also fostered a deep sense of cultural appreciation. My favourite Raaga is Bhimpalasi and my favourite Taal is Jhoomra.

As I navigate the challenging waters of academia, I find solace in the simple pleasures of life—a steaming cup of coffee that fuels my intellectual endeavours and moments spent gazing at the moon, a reminder of the vast universe that exists beyond our scholarly pursuits. I also love spending time in the library, I love the smell of old books and the gentle symphony of rustling pages.

All these hobbies and interests of mine collectively contribute to the tapestry of my identity, infusing a sense of creativity and wonder into my scholarly journey.

get in touch

rikhiab20@iitk.ac.in