Bibek Debroy Biography: Early Life, Career, and Achievements

Bibek Debroy, a top economist and chairman of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council (EAC-PM), passed away at the age of 69. 

He was a prominent Indian economist and author, known for his extensive contributions to economic policy and research in India. 

He died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi after being admitted to the emergency department the previous night. 

The cause of death was reported as subacute intestinal obstruction, a condition he had been suffering from alongside a history of diabetes, hypertension, and a heart condition that required a pacemaker.

Debroy was known for his extensive work in economics, history, and literature, including a notable ten-volume translation of the Mahabharata. He was also a member of several government committees and advisory boards, playing a crucial role in shaping policy decisions. 

Debroy's passing has been mourned widely, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi describing him as "a towering scholar" whose contributions significantly impacted India's intellectual landscape.

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Who was Bibek Debroy?

Bibek Debroy was born on January 25, 1955, in Kolkata, India. He was raised in a family that valued education and intellectual pursuits, which influenced his academic inclinations from a young age. His early education took place at the Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya in Narendrapur, where he developed a strong foundation in various subjects.

Education

Debroy pursued higher education at several prestigious institutions. He completed his undergraduate studies at Presidency College, Kolkata, and went on to earn a Master's degree in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics. 

His academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. from Trinity College, Cambridge, where he focused on economic theory and policy.

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Career

Bibek Debroy had a distinguished career as an economist and academic. He served as a Reader (Associate Professor) in Economics at the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics from 1983 to 1987. His roles included:

• Director of the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies.
• Consultant to the Department of Economic Affairs of the Finance Ministry, Government of India.
• Member of the NITI Aayog from its inception in January 2015 until June 2019.
• Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister since September 2017.
• He also held positions as Secretary-General of the PhD Chamber of Commerce and Industry and was involved in various government committees focused on economic reforms and infrastructure development.

Achievements

Debroy's contributions to economics were recognised through several prestigious awards:

• Padma Shri: Awarded in 2015 for his significant contributions to literature and education.
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Received from the US-India Business Summit in 2016 and again from The Australia-India Chamber of Commerce in 2022.
• He was also honoured with the Insolvency Law Academy Emeritus Fellowship in February 2024 for his leadership and contributions to insolvency law.
• Debroy authored numerous books, research papers, and articles on economics, law reforms, and Indology, making significant impacts across these fields.

Personal Life

Bibek Debroy was known for his diverse interests beyond economics. He was a noted Sanskrit scholar who translated ancient texts into English, including the Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, and various Puranas. 

His translations were celebrated for their clarity and accessibility, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary readers.

Debroy passed away on November 1, 2024, at the age of 69 due to complications related to intestinal obstruction. 

His death marked a significant loss for India's intellectual community, with tributes highlighting his profound influence on economic policy and scholarship across multiple domains.

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