Bibek Debroy, the esteemed chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, passed away on Friday morning at the age of 69. His contributions to economic policy and scholarship have left an enduring legacy in India.
Debroy was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) prior to his passing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to him on social media, stating, “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.”
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
Born into a family that valued education, Debroy’s academic journey took him through prestigious institutions, including the Ramakrishna Mission School, Presidency College in Kolkata, the Delhi School of Economics, and Trinity College, Cambridge. His professional career spanned several prominent educational and research institutions, including the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics and the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade.
A distinguished economist, Debroy was widely recognized for his expertise in macroeconomics, public finance, and infrastructure. He played a pivotal role in shaping India’s economic policies and reforms, focusing on critical areas such as governance and the Indian railways.
In addition to his economic work, Debroy was celebrated for his translations of classical Sanskrit texts, including the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita, making these ancient works accessible to modern readers. His dedication to bringing Indian heritage to light through scholarship was a hallmark of his career.
Debroy served as a member of NITI Aayog until June 2019 and contributed to various newspapers as a consulting and contributing editor. His passing is a significant loss for the intellectual community and the nation, and he will be remembered for his profound impact on India’s economic landscape and cultural heritage.
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. pic.twitter.com/TyETOOwOoY
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 1, 2024
