Bibek Debroy, a distinguished economist and chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, has left an indelible mark on India’s intellectual landscape with his passing at the age of 69. Debroy’s demise was met with an outpouring of tributes from prominent figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
A Towering Scholar
PM Modi remembered Debroy as a “towering scholar” well-versed in diverse domains, including economics, history, culture, politics, and spirituality. Debroy’s works have made ancient texts accessible to the youth, leaving a lasting impact on India’s intellectual landscape. Jaishankar described Debroy as a dedicated reformer, great nationalist, erudite scholar, and wonderful friend, whose contributions to governance and policy-making were enormous.
Academic and Professional Background
Born on January 25, 1955, in Shillong, Meghalaya, Debroy from a Bengali Hindu family. He received his education from esteemed institutions, including Ramakrishna Mission School, Narendrapur; Presidency College, Kolkata; Delhi School of Economics; and Trinity College, Cambridge. Debroy’s illustrious career spanned various prestigious roles, including:
Member of NITI Aayog: Debroy was part of this key government think tank from its inception in January 2015 until June 2019.
Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council: Debroy served as chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council since September 2017.
Director of the Ministry of Finance/UNDP project: Debroy worked on legal reforms as part of this project.
Consulting/Contributing Editor: Debroy contributed to several leading financial publications in India.
Literary Contributions
Debroy authored and translated numerous influential works, focusing on Indian epics, philosophical texts, and economic theory. Some notable publications include:
Mahabharata: A comprehensive ten-volume translation praised for its clarity and accessibility.
The Holy Vedas: A scholarly work on ancient Indian scriptures.
Indian Economy on a Fast Track: A publication on India’s economic growth.
Legacy
Bibek Debroy’s passing leaves a void in India’s economic and intellectual circles. His contributions to governance, policymaking, and cultural preservation will be remembered for generations to come. As PM Modi aptly put it, “Through his works, he left an indelible mark on India’s intellectual landscape.” Stay updated with the latest news and insights! We’ll be sharing more informative articles on influential figures.
The news of Bibek Debroy’s passing has sent shockwaves across India, with many mourning the loss of a brilliant economist and scholar. Here are some reactions and opinions from the public:
Tribute to a Visionary: “Bibek Debroy’s contributions to India’s economic growth and cultural preservation are immeasurable. His translation of the Mahabharata made ancient texts accessible to the youth, and his work on economic theory will continue to inspire future generations,” says Rohan Jamadar.
A Loss to the Nation: “Debroy’s passing leaves a void in India’s intellectual landscape. His expertise in economics, history, and culture was unparalleled. We’ve lost a true nationalist and scholar”, says Mr. Redheeraj, an economics professor.
Remembering a Mentor: “I had the privilege of attending Debroy’s lectures at Delhi School of Economics. He was an exceptional teacher and mentor. His guidance helped shape my understanding of economic theory,” shares Dr. Manas, an economics professor.
Gratitude for His Legacy: “Debroy’s work on India’s economic growth and policy-making has left a lasting impact. We’re grateful for his contributions and commitment to public service. He will be deeply missed,” posts @EconomicTimes.
A Scholar and a Gentleman: “Bibek Debroy was not only a renowned economist but also a kind and humble person. His dedication to making complex concepts accessible to everyone was truly admirable,” comments Saheb, a reader.
These reactions reflect the high esteem in which Debroy was held by the public and the significant impact his work had on India’s intellectual landscape.
By Anusmita Bhatta
Reporting for True To Life News Media Pvt. Ltd.