Fri Nov 01 08:12:26 UTC 2024: ## Renowned Economist and PM’s Economic Advisory Council Chairman, Bibek Debroy, Passes Away at 69
**New Delhi, November 1, 2024:** Eminent economist and Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, Bibek Debroy, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 69.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging Debroy’s “imprint on the intellectual landscape” and his mastery in fields ranging from economics to history, culture, politics, and spirituality. PM Modi also praised Debroy’s work on ancient texts, making them accessible to younger generations, in addition to his contributions to public policy.
Debroy’s passing has been mourned by political leaders and personalities alike. Journalist and author Rahul Pandita remembered him as a “brilliant scholar who shared his knowledge generously.” Pandita recalled a recent meeting with Debroy, who was enthusiastic about a new project on the Puranas.
Debroy, a strong advocate for a new definition of poverty, served as a member of the NITI Aayog and held a professorship at the Centre for Policy Research since 2007. A graduate of Presidency College, Kolkata, the Delhi School of Economics, and Trinity College, Cambridge, he had, earlier this year, emphasized the need for a new poverty metric during an interview with Moneycontrol.
Debroy was also a prolific writer, translating the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Bhagavad Gita from Sanskrit to English. He hosted a show on the meaning of “Bharat” and “Bharatiya,” exploring Indian history.
His contributions to the understanding of ancient texts and his expertise in economics have left an enduring legacy.
First Piper 