Biography

Pulkit Khanna serves as the Dean of Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences (JIBS). With a keen focus on shaping the institute’s vision, she plays a crucial role in devising and implementing strategic initiatives at JIBS.  
Her work encompasses planning and implementation of the institute’s teaching, research, and capacity building endeavours. Dr. Khanna is part of the founding team of the National Positive Psychology Association and is an active member of its Executive Committee.  She also serves as the Country Director for Academic Wellness at the globally recognized STAR Scholars Network. 

In addition to her responsibilities as Dean, Dr. Khanna is a Professor (Psychology) at the University. She earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT-Delhi). Dr. Khanna’s expertise is strengthened by her certification in Positive Psychology (Research, Education, and Application in Community Health) from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS, Bangalore).

Dr. Khanna’s research centers on psychological interventions aimed at nurturing human flourishing, with a specific emphasis on educational contexts. Her research focuses on enhancing student well-being and investigating indigenous practices that foster positive psychological constructs and nurture positive behavioural change. She has received invitations to present her work at esteemed forums, such as the International Positive Psychology Association and the Templeton Foundation-funded ‘Science for Monks’ among others. She has published in well-recognized international peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes. Her supervision work comprises doctoral and graduate thesis on topics including post-traumatic growth, psycho-spiritual interventions for students, traditional education systems, and gratitude in ultra-high net worth families.

Dr. Khanna’s teaching repertoire includes courses including Introduction to Psychology, Positive Psychology, Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Human Resource Management, and Applied Positive Psychology, to both undergraduate and graduate students. She currently offers  popular elective courses on Emotional Literacy, Consumer Psychology and Positive Psychology, catering to students from diverse fields within the university. In addition to her teaching commitments, Dr. Khanna has conducted numerous Management Development Programs (MDPs), providing training for high-ranking officers from both the government and private sectors. Notable examples include officers from the Comptroller & Auditor General of India, the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), Power Grid Corporation of India, and Jindal Steel and Power Limited, among others. Additionally, she has led over 50 Teacher Training Programs and School Talk initiatives across India, involving more than 8,500 participants.