Bibek Debroy, an influential economist and chairperson of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Economic Advisory Council, passed away on Friday at the age of 69. Known for his significant contributions to India's economic landscape, Debroy was widely respected for shaping policies and advising on key economic reforms.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his deep sorrow over Debroy’s death, describing him as a "towering scholar." In his message, PM Modi noted Debroy’s knowledge across various fields, including economics, culture, politics, and spirituality, which left an "indelible mark on India’s intellectual landscape." Modi also highlighted Debroy’s dedication to making ancient Sanskrit texts, such as the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita, accessible to young people, adding a unique dimension to his legacy.
A recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri, Debroy served as the chancellor of the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics in Pune and had been a member of the NITI Aayog until mid-2019.
His role in public policy was complemented by his editorial contributions to various newspapers and his authorship of numerous books and articles, which broadened his impact across the academic and policy-making community.
Debroy’s expertise spanned a wide range of topics, including macroeconomics, public finance, and governance. His thoughts on economic reforms and governance structures have been influential in shaping both academic and policy dialogues in India. He is also remembered for his insights on the Indian railway system, an area he frequently discussed in his writings.
In addition to his policy contributions, Debroy made his mark through his translations of Sanskrit texts, notably the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita. These works demonstrated his commitment to India’s rich heritage, aiming to connect contemporary audiences with classical Indian literature.
Debroy’s academic journey began at Presidency College in Kolkata, where he taught from 1979 to 1984. He then joined Pune’s Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, staying until 1987 before moving to the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade in Delhi. His work in these institutions established him as a thoughtful and respected economist early in his career.
In 1993, Debroy became the director of a Ministry of Finance and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) project, focusing on legal reforms.
This role marked his entry into public service, and he went on to serve briefly with the Department of Economic Affairs and later with the National Council of Applied Economic Research and the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies.
Debroy’s work extended to the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry until 2006 and then to the Centre for Policy Research from 2007 to 2015. His tenure at these institutions saw him engage deeply with issues of governance and public finance, continually advocating for reforms that would drive India’s growth and stability.
Beyond his contributions to economics, Debroy’s work in translating ancient texts brought him recognition as a bridge between India’s classical and modern thought.
Through these translations, he offered new generations a chance to engage with India’s philosophical and cultural traditions, cementing his legacy as both a scholar and a devoted advocate of Indian heritage.
Bibek Debroy’s passing marks the end of a distinguished career that enriched both economic policy and cultural understanding in India. His contributions, whether through policy advice or scholarly works, leave behind a lasting influence that will continue to inspire future generations.
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