Economy Panel
Chaithanya Renduchintala (Speaker)
RISE for Transformation: Leveraging Traditional Systems for Global Tourism Futures Unlocking Medical and Spiritual Tourism Revenues through a Tamil Nadu–Orlando Partnership
Abstract: This research explores the economic and cultural potential of developing a bilateral medical and spiritual tourism corridor between Tamil Nadu, India, and Orlando, USA, through the lens of the RISE framework (Rich Intercultural Spiritual Exchange). Tamil Nadu is a leading destination in India for both spiritual tourism, with over 33,000 ancient temples, and medical tourism, attracting more than 1.5 million patients annually. It offers a unique fusion of traditional healing systems (Siddha, Ayurveda, yoga) and world-class medical infrastructure, supported by over 12,500 hospital beds, 1 million registered doctors, and 400+ pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Orlando, while known globally for entertainment and hospitality, is rapidly emerging as a wellness and medical innovation hub, with a strong ecosystem of biomedical research, digital health startups, and immersive experience design. This paper outlines how a collaborative model—linking Tamil Nadu’s spiritual and healthcare traditions with Orlando’s infrastructure, technology, and diaspora engagement—could unlock new revenue streams in wellness retreats, integrative medical packages, cultural immersion tourism, and telehealth-supported recovery journeys.
The framework in this conceptual paper, identifies key enablers (e.g., diaspora channels, joint ventures, policy frameworks), and proposes a phased implementation model. Findings suggest the potential for multi-billion-dollar growth in both regions by positioning tourism not merely as travel but as a healing, cultural, and economic bridge. The RISE model thus offers a blueprint for global destinations seeking to combine health, heritage, and human connection in tourism futures.
Biography: Dr. Chaithanya Renduchintala is an Assistant Professor at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management with the department of Tourism, Events and Attractions. Dr. Renduchintala works with the infectious disease and travel health initiative at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management. https://www.ucf.edu/news/3-ucf-colleges-receive-4-5m-for-infectious-disease-travel-health-research/. He holds a master’s degree in Bio Medical Science and a Ph.D. in Modelling and Simulation from the University of Central Florida.
Neelima Jain (Speaker)
Energizing Viksit Bharat: India’s Technological Path to Economic Transformation Through Energy Independence
Abstract: India stands at a pivotal crossroads where emerging energy technologies will shape its economic transformation and global influence. This presentation examines how India can leverage technological innovations in its energy transition as a catalyst for achieving Viksit Bharat while balancing development imperatives with climate action. It analyzes the economic opportunities embedded in these technological shifts, revealing pathways that create substantial domestic dividends while positioning India for leadership in emerging global markets. The discussion identifies key emerging technologies that can unlock India’s comparative advantages in the clean energy economy, opening avenues for accelerated manufacturing and deployment. By embracing these technological frontiers, India can meet its growing energy demands, drive economic growth, and demonstrate a development pathway that resonates with emerging economies worldwide. The presentation offers insights into how India’s technological choices today are foundational to its emergence as a responsible economic superpower within the next decade.
Biography: Neelima Jain is Director of the States Initiative at UC Berkeley’s Indian Energy and Climate Center, where she leads state engagements and policy research on grid and industrial decarbonization. She also serves as an Adjunct fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, strengthening U.S.-India energy policy relations. Previously, as CEO of EPAL (UK subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Service Ltd, Govt. of India), she led the company to become the fastest-growing Indian-owned company in the UK. She has also managed the landmark UJALA program across 60 million Indian households. With 19 years in sustainable energy, Neelima has advised the International Energy Agency and was recognized among the 100 most influential people in UK-India relations by India Inc.
Shantanu Khanna (Speaker)
An Indian Enigma? Labour Market Impacts of the World’s Largest Livelihoods Program
Abstract: We examine the labor market impacts of the largest livelihoods programs in the world, India’s Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). A key aspect of this program is to mobilize rural women into self-help groups (SHGs). We combine administrative data on SHG membership across districts in India with survey micro-data on labour force and employment outcomes of rural women between 2011 and 2019. Using a generalized difference-in-differences approach, we find that SHG membership is positively associated with labour force participation and employment of rural women. We also find that SHG membership is associated with a shift towards self-employment and a crowd-out of casual work among the employed. Supplementary analysis based on primary survey data from Maharashtra allows us to examine the relationship between SHG membership and economic activity at the individual level. The results confirm a positive association between SHG membership and economic activity.
Biography: Dr. Shantanu Khanna is an Assistant Professor of Public Policy and Economics at Northeastern University. He is an Invited Researcher at J-PAL, a Research Affiliate at the Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), and a Research Fellow at the Global Labor Organization (GLO). He was awarded a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of California, Irvine. His primary fields of interest are Labor and Development economics. His research explores issues like inequality, hiring and wage discrimination, job creation, and the impacts of public policies on labor markets in developing and developed countries.
Buvaneshwaran Venugopal (Moderator)
Biography: Buvaneshwaran (Eshwar) Venugopal is an Assistant Professor of Finance in the College of Business at the University of Central Florida. He received his Ph.D. degree from the University of Houston. He obtained his Masters in Banking and Finance and Master of Applied Econometrics degrees from Monash University, and his undergraduate in Computer Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Jaipur. He has been a member of the UCF faculty since May 2018.