C.T. Kurien, distinguished economist, Passes Away

On July 23, 2024, the world of economics lost a brilliant mind and compassionate soul. C.T. Kurien, a distinguished economist and former professor of Madras Christian College, passed away at the age of 93 due to age-related ailments. His death marks the end of an era in Indian economics, but his legacy continues to inspire generations of economists and social thinkers.

Early Years and Education

The Seed of Social Consciousness

C.T. Kurien’s journey in economics began with a profound awareness of the stark contrast between his comfortable life and the grim poverty that surrounded him. This early exposure to economic inequality would shape his entire career and life’s mission.

Academic Pursuits

In 1953, Kurien completed his Master’s degree in Economics from Madras Christian College. His choice to study economics was driven by a noble aspiration: to understand the root causes of poverty and contribute to its eradication. However, his initial encounter with mainstream economics left him disappointed, as he found a lack of serious discussion on poverty-related issues.

Doctoral Studies and International Exposure

Undeterred by his initial disappointment, Kurien pursued higher studies in economics. He secured his Ph.D. from Stanford University between 1958 and 1963, focusing on the topic “Factor Market Structure and Technological Characteristics of an Underdeveloped Country: An Indian Case Study.” This research laid the foundation for his unique perspective on economic development in the context of developing nations.

Kurien’s academic journey also included a stint as a Visiting Fellow at Yale University in 1968-69, further broadening his international exposure and refining his economic theories.

Professional Career and Contributions

Teaching and Research

Kurien’s professional life was marked by a commitment to academia and research. He served as a Professor at Madras Christian College from 1962 to 1978, shaping the minds of countless students and future economists. His tenure at the Madras Institute of Development Studies from 1978 to 1991, including a decade as its Director (1978-1988), allowed him to further his research and influence policy discussions.

National Recognition

Kurien’s expertise was recognized at the national level. He held positions as a National Fellow at both the University Grants Commission and the Indian Council of Social Science Research. In 2000, he was honoured with the presidency of the Indian Economic Association, a testament to his standing in the Indian economic community.

Literary Contributions and Economic Philosophy

A Prolific Author

Throughout his career, Kurien authored 15 books on various aspects of economics. His works were distinguished by their focus on poverty and its eradication, approaching economics from a humanistic perspective rather than purely theoretical standpoints.

Key Works and Ideas

Some of his notable works include:

• “What is Growth?”: Published in the Economic and Political Weekly, this paper sparked significant discussion in economic circles.
• “Poverty, Planning and Social Transformation” (1978): This book elaborated on Kurien’s position regarding poverty and economic planning.
• “Growth and Justice” (1992): A collection of papers that further developed his themes on equitable economic growth.
• “The Economy: An Interpretative Introduction”: This work presented a fresh perspective on understanding the economy.
• “Wealth and Illfare”: Written in response to the growing wealth disparity post-1991 economic reforms in India, this book aimed to explain complex economic phenomena to a general audience.

A Critical Perspective on Economic Growth

Kurien was known for his critical stance on the assumption that economic growth automatically leads to poverty eradication. He consistently argued for a more nuanced understanding of growth that prioritized social justice and equitable distribution of resources.

Recognition and Tributes

Political Acknowledgment

On Kurien’s 90th birthday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan praised him not only as an erudite scholar but also as a columnist on social and economic affairs. Vijayan highlighted Kurien’s consistent support for policies benefiting the vast majority of people.

Tributes from Peers

N. Ram, Director of The Hindu Publishing Group and former editor-in-chief of The Hindu, paid a heartfelt tribute on social media, describing Kurien as “an outstanding scholar, a beloved teacher, a progressive public intellectual” who dedicated his life to studying ways to eradicate mass poverty and improve the lives of millions.

Historian and writer A.R. Venkatachalapathy lauded Kurien as a great economist and institution builder, emphasizing his contributions beyond just academic economics.

Legacy and Impact

C.T. Kurien’s passing leaves a void in the world of economics, but his ideas and approach to economic thinking continue to influence scholars and policymakers. His unwavering focus on poverty eradication, coupled with his critical analysis of mainstream economic theories, has left an indelible mark on Indian economic thought.

Kurien’s life and work serve as a reminder that economics, at its core, should be about improving human lives and creating a more equitable society. His legacy challenges future generations of economists to look beyond numbers and theories, and to keep the human element at the center of economic discourse and policy-making.