The Department of Economics and Sociology, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana organized a visit of Professor Sanjit Dhami, Visiting Professor (Honorary) working as Professor of Economics at the University of Leicester, UK and a research leader in the field of Behavioral Economics. He is a renowned scholar and has given invited lectures in various prestigious institutions/ universities across the globe.
Dr Kiran Bains, Dean, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, welcomed Prof Dhami while shedding light on his remarkable achievements.
Dr JM Singh, Head-cum-Director (AERC), briefed about the current research activities going on in the department and Prof Dhami took keen interest in it and appreciated the on-going work in the department.
Professor Dhami delivered two lectures on the topics ‘Understanding micro finance contracts: The roles of emotions and social norms’ and ‘Basic concepts in Behavioral Economics and its use for undertaking research in Agricultural Economics.’ In his lectures, he laid emphasis on the role of emotions, mainly guilt and shame on decision making and how individual and group liability was crucial for the success of micro finance deals. It was concluded that social norms, peer pressure and emotions played a powerful role in explaining human values. Basic concepts of Behavioral Economics were also discussed especially with the students to make them aware about it vis-à-vis Economic Theory. On the concluding day, Dr SS Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, also graced the occasion and felicitated Prof Dhami. The event was attended by the faculty, research fellows and students with great enthusiasm.