Dr. Asha Chawla Thakral has been serving as Principal Scientist in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies since 2014. She has contributed significantly to academic, research, and community outreach. She began her career as an Assistant Professor in 1993 and progressed through various roles including Scientist and Principal Scientist. Dr. Thakral holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Child Development from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, B.Ed. from Punjabi University, Patiala, and M.Ed. from Punjab University, Chandigarh, and a Ph.D. from Punjabi University, Patiala. She inspired young mind to empower by starting day care center and support early childhood development. Dr. Thakral is a life member of many prestigious association.  

Selected Publications:

1. Kaur J, Chawla A and Vig D (2022) School environment as determinant of mental health among rural adolescents. International Journal of Education & Management Studies 12: 91-95. (NAAS rating: 4.58)
2. Upreti R and Chawla A (2022) Socio-emotional empowerment of adolescent girls of rural Punjab. Indian Journal of Health and Well Being 13 (3): 385-87. (NAAS Rating: 4.11)
3. Upreti R and Chawla A (2023) Social Development: An important aspect for adolescence. Indian Journal of Positive Psychology 14(2): 249-51. (NAAS Rating: 4.38)
4. Mahal R and Thakral A C (2023) Virtual school environment as a correlate of academic achievement among adolescents during COVID-19. International Journal of Education & Management Studies 13 (1): 29-32. (NAAS rating: 4.58)
5. Mahal R and Thakral A C (2023) Relationship between psychological well being and academic achievement of adolescents during COVID -19. Indian Journal of Health and Well Being 14(1): 101-04. (NAAS Rating: 4.11)
6. Mahal R and Thakral AC (2024). Parental educational aspirations and expectations as a correlate of academic achievement among adolescents during COVID -19. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Science 13: 115-122. (NAAS Rating: 5.38)
7. Sharma P, Thakral A C and Vig D (2024). Development of gender role attitude among rural and urban children: A gender study. International Journal of Education & Management Studies 14: 1-4. (NAAS Rating: 4.58) 
8. Yadav P, Thakral A C and Vig D (2025) The role of peer group influence in shaping career choices of rural youth in three Indian states. International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development 8: 129-35. (NAAS Rating: 5.04)
9. Yadav P, Thakral A C and Vig D (2025) Career decision making among rural senior secondary students: The role of parental encouragement across three Indian states. Archives of Current Research International 25: 233- 47. (NAAS Rating: 5.13)

Completed Projects

1. Completed extension project under the scheme RKVY, sponsored by state Govt. of Punjab in the year 2021-22, 2022-23 & 2023-24 as PI.