Bibek Debroy, a prominent economist and chairman of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Economic Advisory Council, passed away today at the age of 69. According to AIIMS Delhi, Mr. Debroy died at 7 a.m. due to intestinal obstruction. His contributions to economics and public policy have left a significant impact on India’s intellectual community.
A recipient of the Padma Shri award, Mr Debroy previously held the position of chancellor at the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) in Pune. His extensive educational background includes studies at the Ramakrishna Mission School in Narendrapur, Presidency College in Kolkata, the Delhi School of Economics, and Trinity College in Cambridge.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his sorrow at Mr Debroy’s passing, praising him as a “towering scholar” with expertise in various fields including economics, history, culture, politics, and spirituality. “Through his works, he left an indelible mark on India’s intellectual landscape,” the Prime Minister noted on social media. He highlighted Mr. Debroy’s dedication to making ancient texts accessible to the youth, emphasizing his broader contributions beyond public policy.
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Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also expressed his condolences, describing Mr. Debroy as an “excellent academician” and a distinguished economist. He remarked on the profound loss to the academic and literary communities, stating that Mr Debroy’s guidance on economic matters and his insightful newspaper columns had enriched the lives of millions. “He leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of economics, academia, and literature,” Mr Pradhan said, extending his heartfelt condolences to Mr. Debroy’s family and friends.
In addition to his advisory role, Mr. Debroy served as a member of NITI Aayog until June 5, 2019. Throughout his career, he authored and edited numerous books, papers, and popular articles, and contributed to various newspapers as a consulting editor. His legacy as a prolific author and a dedicated educator will be remembered fondly in the realms of economics and beyond.
