Fri Nov 01 10:19:47 UTC 2024: ## Renowned Economist and Sanskrit Scholar Bibek Debroy Passes Away at 69
**New Delhi, November 1:** Eminent Indian economist and Padma Shri awardee, Bibek Debroy, passed away today at the age of 69. The Chief of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC-PM) succumbed to intestinal obstruction.
Debroy, known for his contributions to economic policy, scholarly work, and translations of ancient Sanskrit texts, had a distinguished career spanning academia, government, and think tanks.
His journey began at the Ramakrishna Mission School in West Bengal, followed by studies at prestigious institutions like Presidency College, Delhi School of Economics, and Trinity College, Cambridge. Debroy held teaching positions at Presidency College and Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) in Pune.
He served in various roles at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Department of Economic Affairs, and a Ministry of Finance/UNDP project focusing on legal reforms. He was also a member of NITI Aayog until June 2019.
Debroy’s expertise in macroeconomics, public finance, and infrastructure led to numerous publications on economic reforms and governance. He was particularly recognized for his insights into the Indian railways.
Beyond economics, Debroy was celebrated for his literary achievements, particularly his translations of classical Sanskrit texts like the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita. His work made ancient Indian wisdom accessible to contemporary readers, enriching the nation’s cultural and intellectual fabric.
Debroy’s passing is a significant loss to India, leaving behind a legacy of economic brilliance and cultural contribution.
First Piper 