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Economics Is Not About People: Amartya Sen taught that economic growth should serve human welfare, not the other way around. (Image: Wikimedia Commons) Understand The Capability Approach: The Capability Approach, focuses on what individuals can do and can be. It pushes economists to go beyond income data and explore real freedoms like access to health, education, and social participation. (Image: Wikimedia Commons) Value Freedom As Core Economic Goal: In Development as Freedom, Sen argued that freedom itself is both the means and the goal of development. Economic success must enhance people’s freedom to make choices, express opinions, and pursue their aspirations. (Image: Wikimedia Commons) Follow Interdisciplinary Thinking: Sen’s work blends economics with philosophy, ethics, and political science. Young economists should follow this model — bridging disciplines to gain a more holistic understanding of social issues and avoid narrow technocratic thinking. (Image: X) Measure What Truly Matters: He challenged traditional indicators like GDP by co-developing the Human Development Index (HDI). This teaches young researchers the importance of designing metrics that capture well-being, equality, and opportunity. (Image: X) Prioritize Equity And Justice: For Amartya Sen, inequality is not merely a moral concern — it’s an economic issue. Societies with large disparities tend to waste human potential. Fairness, therefore, is both ethically right and economically smart. (Image: Facebook) Recognise The Role Of Democracy: Sen highlighted how democracy and public reasoning are essential to development. Economists should engage with communities and policymakers, ensuring that economic ideas are tested in the arena of public dialogue. (Image: Facebook) Focus On Real-World Impact: Sen’s research on famines showed that hunger often results not from lack of food, but from lack of access and rights. This insight reminds young economists that behind every model are real people — and that theory must serve practical solutions. (Image: Facebook)
