Bibek Debroy, the Chief of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Economic Advisory Council and a prominent economist, passed away on Friday at the age of 69.
Dr. Bibek Debroy, a distinguished economist and Chief of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Economic Advisory Council, passed away on Friday at the age of 69. Known for his vast contributions to India’s economic policies and intellectual discourse, Debroy was also a prolific writer and commentator, admired for his insights across a range of fields.
A recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri award, Debroy previously held the position of Chancellor at the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics in Pune and was a member of the NITI Aayog until June 2019. His expertise extended beyond economics to include history, politics, and spirituality, making him one of India’s most versatile intellectuals.
Prime Minister Modi Pays Tribute to a “Towering Scholar”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow at Debroy’s passing, reflecting on the scholar’s significant contributions to public policy and academic thought. “Dr. Bibek Debroy Ji was a towering scholar, well-versed in diverse domains like economics, history, culture, politics, spirituality, and more,” PM Modi shared on social media platform X. “Through his works, he left an indelible mark on India’s intellectual landscape. Beyond his contributions to public policy, he enjoyed working on our ancient texts, making them accessible to the youth. I have known Dr. Debroy for many years. I will fondly remember his insights and passion for academic discourse. Saddened by his passing away. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti.”
Dr. Bibek Debroy Ji was a towering scholar, well-versed in diverse domains like economics, history, culture, politics, spirituality and more. Through his works, he left an indelible mark on India’s intellectual landscape. Beyond his contributions to public policy, he enjoyed… pic.twitter.com/E3DETgajLr
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 1, 2024
A Legacy of Intellectual Influence and Dedication to Public Discourse
Dr. Debroy’s contributions extended beyond academic research, as he engaged frequently with the public through his writings in newspapers and journals. A prolific author, he was known for making complex economic concepts accessible to a broader audience. With works that spanned economics, politics, and Indian cultural history, Debroy’s influence reached far beyond academia.
His scholarly pursuits were well complemented by his sharp wit and dry sense of humor, which his peers and students cherished. Reflecting on his life and accomplishments, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh remarked, “A man of unusually wide-ranging interests, Bibek Debroy was first and foremost a fine theoretical and empirical economist who worked and wrote on various aspects of the Indian economy. He also had a special skill for lucid exposition, in a manner that would make laypersons easily understand complex economic issues. Over the years, he has had numerous institutional affiliations and he left his mark everywhere. Bibek was also a very prolific, and always thought-provoking, commentator in the media on public issues going well beyond economics. He will be missed for his scholarship as well as his dry sense of humor.”
A man of unusually wide-ranging interests, Bibek Debroy was first and foremost a fine theoretical and empirical economist who worked and wrote on various aspects of the Indian economy. He also had a special skill for lucid exposition, in a manner that would make laypersons easily…
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) November 1, 2024
A Journey of Academic Excellence and Public Service
Dr. Debroy’s academic journey began at the Ramakrishna Mission School in Narendrapur, later leading him to Presidency College in Kolkata and the Delhi School of Economics. He furthered his studies at Trinity College, Cambridge, solidifying his foundation in theoretical and applied economics.
Debroy’s professional path was equally illustrious. His career included tenures at Kolkata’s Presidency College from 1979 to 1984, the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics in Pune until 1987, and the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade in Delhi until 1993. Each institution benefited from his vast knowledge and unique perspective, as he left an enduring impact on both his colleagues and students.
Remembered for His Commitment to India’s Growth and Development
Dr. Bibek Debroy’s passing leaves a void in India’s intellectual community, as well as in the hearts of those he mentored and collaborated with. Known not only for his academic rigor but also for his commitment to making ancient Indian texts more accessible, Debroy’s legacy will be felt across disciplines and generations.
