Sat Nov 02 14:13:28 UTC 2024: ## Bibek Debroy: A Scholar, Mentor, and Champion of Economic Reform
**New Delhi, India** – Bibek Debroy, the late chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), was a towering figure in the Indian economic and intellectual landscape. His passing has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him and the nation he served.
Debroy was known for his vast scholarship, encompassing economics, history, literature, and Sanskrit. He authored numerous books and articles, translated ancient Sanskrit texts, and even wrote about the history of fountain pens in India. His work on the ranking of states on economic freedom, the study of corruption in India, and the restructuring of Indian Railways remain important contributions to the field.
Beyond his academic prowess, Debroy was a skilled policy advisor and a mentor to those who worked with him. His former colleague Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who served on the EAC-PM for five years, recounts Debroy’s leadership style, characterized by patience, careful consideration of long-term implications, and a focus on consensus-building. He was a champion of economic reform, advocating for improved statistics and emphasizing the importance of long-term vision in policymaking.
“Working with him helped me understand the multiple viewpoints that a democratic government had to incorporate, the merits of patience, and a focus on the long term,” writes Prabhu. “If not for his persistence on the need to improve India’s statistics, for example, the improvements we are beginning to see may not have started.”
Debroy’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape India’s economic future. He was a true champion of economic reform, a passionate scholar, and a deeply respected mentor. His absence will be felt by all who knew him and benefitted from his work.
First Piper 