PM Modi’s EAC Chief Bibek Debroy, instrumental in ushering structural reforms and a resilient economy, passes away at 69

The Indian intellectual community has suffered a major loss as the renowned Economist and Chairman of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s economic advisory council, Bibek Debroy breathed his last on Friday. At the time of his tragic demise, he was 69 years of age. The erudite scholar was instrumental in ushering in structural reforms, building a resilient economy, and materialising PM Modi’s economic vision for the country. With a plethora of literary works, he also made an enormous contribution to furthering the wisdom of Hindu culture.  

Following the news of his tragic demise, social media has been flooded with condolence messages with people fondly remembering his immense contribution to the Indian economy, enriching intellectual discourse, and shouldering the responsibility of furthering the Indian culture and knowledge system. 

Expressing grief and remembering his great contribution, PM Modi tweeted, “Bibek Debroy Ji was a towering scholar, well-versed in diverse domains like economics, history, culture, politics, spirituality and more. Through his works, he left an indelible mark on India’s intellectual landscape. Beyond his contributions to public policy, he enjoyed working on our ancient texts, making them accessible to the youth.”

He added, “I have known Dr. Debroy for many years. I will fondly remember his insights and passion for academic discourse. Saddened by his passing away. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti.”

‘Towering scholar’ Bibek Debroy

Renowned scholar, author, and economist, Debroy was currently the Chairman of PM Modi’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC). He had been a part of the government think tank NITI Aayog since its inception in 2014. Later, he assumed the post of PM-EAC in 2017.

He was a recipient of several awards including the coveted Padma Shri which the government bestowed upon him in 2015. He also received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the US-India Business Summit in 2016. The Australia India Chamber of Commerce also awarded him the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ in 2022. 

An expert in macroeconomics, public finance, and infrastructure, he published widely on subjects like economic reforms, governance, and the Indian railways. Apart from economics, he had a stellar literary work to his name as he authored multiple bestsellers. He translated the Mahabharata into English, in a series of 10 volumes. He was also renowned for the translations of classical Sanskrit texts, including the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita. 

A proponent of structural reform, last year, he had also ignited a refreshing debate on the need to overhaul the Indian Constitution. Blatantly extrapolating shrill anti-Constitution rhetoric from his scholarly piece, the Congress party had launched a vicious campaign to malign his reputation and level wanton charges against him. 

He also served as chancellor of Pune’s Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics. He also contributed as an editor for multiple newspapers.