On November 1, 2024, India lost Dr. Bibek Debroy, a prominent intellectual and devoted public servant who championed Indiaโs economic reforms and cultural heritage. Bibek Debroy, who passed away at 69 due to complications from an intestinal obstruction, served as the Chairman of the Prime Ministerโs Economic Advisory Council (EAC-PM) and devoted much of his life to translating Indiaโs revered texts. His lifeโs work exemplified a unique blend of intellectual prowess, reverence for Indiaโs traditions, and an unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge.
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 Indiaโs intellectual landscape. Beyond his contributions to public policy, he enjoyedโฆ pic.twitter.com/E3DETgajLr
โ Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 1, 2024
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
โ Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 1, 2024
Shaping Indiaโs Economic Landscape Through an Illustrious Career
After studying at Presidency College, the Delhi School of Economics, and Trinity College, Cambridge, Bibek Debroy used his extensive expertise to influence economic policy across India. In his early career, Bibek Debroy pushed for reforms through roles at the Ministry of Finance, the National Council of Applied Economic Research, and as a director on UNDP-backed legal projects. His positions within various institutions, including NITI Aayog, allowed him to steer national economic strategies, helping shape a globally engaged India. At the EAC-PM, he actively advanced discussions on Indiaโs role in the global supply chain and balanced growth strategies that embraced both manufacturing and servicesโ
Bridging Ancient and Modern Through Sanskrit Translations
Debroyโs passion for Indian heritage extended beyond economics, driving him to translate foundational Sanskrit texts like the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Bhagavata Purana. These translations, celebrated for their accessibility, connected young Indians to spiritual wisdom while enriching contemporary understanding of ancient texts. Through his translations, Debroy bridged the past with the present, highlighting the relevance of Indian epics for modern life. His work, rooted in both scholarship and cultural appreciation, continues to inspire readers to explore Indiaโs classical heritageโ
Tributes Pour In For Bibek Debroy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored Debroy as a โtowering scholarโ with diverse expertise, noting his impact on Indiaโs intellectual legacy. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh also praised Debroyโs unique blend of economic insight and Sanskrit scholarship, noting his influence on a wide range of disciplines. Political leaders and scholars alike reflected on Debroyโs legacy with deep admiration, highlighting the unity his work fostered across Indiaโs intellectual landscapeโ
Carrying Forward The Legacy of Bibek Debroy
India grieves Dr. Bibek Debroyโs passing, recognizing his monumental contributions to both economic policy and cultural preservation. His legacy inspires future generations to embrace both economic progress and Indiaโs rich heritage, embodying a spirit of growth rooted in wisdom and tradition.