Fri Nov 01 21:59:49 UTC 2024: ## Renowned Economist and PM Modi’s Advisor, Bibek Debroy, Passes Away at 69
**New Delhi, November 1, 2024:** Eminent economist and chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC-PM), Bibek Debroy, passed away on Friday morning at the age of 69. Debroy, known for his contributions to economic policies and translations of ancient Sanskrit texts, breathed his last at Delhi’s AIIMS after battling an intestinal ailment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led condolences, describing Debroy as a “leading light of Indian economics and a profound scholar of our culture.” Modi tweeted, “Bibek Debroy has left an indelible mark on the intellectual landscape. His expertise spanned economics, history, culture, politics, spirituality and many other fields.”
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also expressed his grief, praying for Debroy’s soul and offering strength to his family.
Debroy, a recipient of the Padma Shri, served as the Chancellor of the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics in Pune. He was widely respected for his writings and edits on various topics, including his accessible English translations of the Puranas for a younger generation.
Born on January 25, 1955, in Shillong, Meghalaya, Debroy received his education at Ramkrishna Mission School, Narendrapur, before pursuing higher studies at Presidency College, Kolkata, and the Delhi School of Economics. His career spanned various roles including Director of a Ministry of Finance and UNDP project, Economic Affairs, National Council of Applied Economic Research, and Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies. He also held positions at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Centre for Policy Research before becoming a member of the NITI Aayog in 2015.
In 2017, Debroy was appointed Chairman of the EAC-PM by Prime Minister Modi. He also served as President of the Indian Statistical Institute from September 2018 to September 2022.
Besides his economic expertise, Debroy was a prolific writer, contributing articles to newspapers and authoring numerous books. His translations of the Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, Vedas, and Ramayana into English earned him widespread recognition.
In August 2023, Debroy’s article published in The Mint, advocating for a new constitution, sparked controversy with the JDU alleging it was written at the behest of the RSS. Debroy argued that the current constitution, largely based on the Government of India Act 1935, should be revisited, particularly the meaning of terms like “socialist,” “secular,” and “democratic” within the preamble.
Debroy’s passing is a significant loss to the Indian intellectual landscape. His contributions to economics, culture, and education will be deeply missed.
First Piper 