India’s political landscape is mourning the loss of a distinguished figure, Dr. Bibek Debroy. The renowned economist and Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) passed away on Friday, leaving behind a legacy of intellectual brilliance and impactful contributions to India’s economic and academic spheres.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a heartfelt post on X, paid tribute to Dr. Debroy, describing him as a towering scholar who excelled in diverse fields, including economics, history, culture, politics, spirituality, and more. He highlighted Debroy’s indelible mark on India’s intellectual landscape, emphasizing his work on ancient texts, which he made accessible to the younger generation.
“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 working on our ancient texts, making them accessible to the youth,” wrote PM Modi in his post.
PM Modi further expressed his personal connection with Dr. Debroy, stating, “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. Debroy’s impressive academic journey included prestigious institutions like the Ramakrishna Mission School in Narendrapur, Presidency College in Kolkata, Delhi School of Economics, and Trinity College, Cambridge. His career spanned various esteemed institutions, including Presidency College, Kolkata; Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics in Pune; and the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade in Delhi. He also served as the Director of a Ministry of Finance/UNDP project dedicated to legal reforms. Dr. Debroy was a prominent member of NITI Aayog until June 5, 2019, further demonstrating his commitment to public service.
Beyond his academic achievements, Dr. Debroy was a prolific author and editor, leaving behind a treasure trove of books, papers, and articles. His insights and expertise were widely sought after, making him a regular contributor to various newspapers. In September, he stepped down as chancellor of the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) in Pune after the Bombay High Court intervened in a dispute involving the Vice-Chancellor.
Dr. Debroy’s passing leaves a significant void in the realms of economics, public policy, and intellectual discourse. His contributions will continue to shape India’s future, inspiring generations to come. He will be remembered for his deep knowledge, insightful analysis, and unwavering dedication to the betterment of India.
