Loss of a Luminary: Bibek Debroy, Chairman of PM’s Economic Advisory Council, Dies at 69

Bibek Debroy, a prominent economist and chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC-PM), has passed away at the age of 69. He was recently admitted to AIIMS for treatment. Following his death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Debroy, recognizing his significant contributions to the field of economics.

PM Remembers Dr. Debroy

• Dr. 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,” PM Narendra Modi wrote on X.

Education

• Studied at Ramakrishna Mission School, Narendrapur.
• Graduated from Presidency College, Kolkata.
• Completed studies at Delhi School of Economics and Trinity College, Cambridge.

Career Highlights

Held teaching positions at,

• Presidency College, Kolkata
• Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE), Pune

Worked at significant organizations including,

• Indian Institute of Foreign Trade
• Department of Economic Affairs
• National Council of Applied Economic Research
• Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies
• PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Served as Director on a Ministry of Finance/UNDP project focusing on legal reforms.
• Was a Member of NITI Aayog until June 5, 2019.
• Debroy had been the EAC chairman since September 2017.

Contributions to Economic Policy

• Influential in shaping India’s economic landscape through various roles.
• Published extensively on topics including economic reforms, governance, macroeconomics, public finance, and infrastructure.
• Provided key insights into the Indian railways, reflecting a deep understanding of the nation’s economic framework.

Literary Achievements

• Known for his work in translating classical Sanskrit texts.
• His translations of the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita made ancient Indian wisdom accessible to contemporary readers, enhancing cultural and intellectual discourse in India.
• A prolific author, Debroy authored and edited several books, including translations of the puranas, the four vedas and 11 major Upanishads, papers and popular articles.

Award

• Recipient of the Padma Shri.

Legacy

• Bibek Debroy’s blend of academic excellence, economic policy influence, and literary prowess leaves a lasting impact on India’s intellectual landscape. His efforts to bridge ancient wisdom with modern thought have enriched the cultural fabric of the nation.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Loss of a Luminary: Bibek Debroy, Chairman of PM’s Economic Advisory Council, Dies at 69
Education	Ramakrishna Mission School, Narendrapur – Presidency College, Kolkata – Delhi School of Economics – Trinity College, Cambridge
Key Roles	– Chairman, Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC-PM) (2017–2024) – Member, NITI Aayog (Until June 2019) – Director, Ministry of Finance/UNDP Legal Reform Project – Academic positions at Presidency College,  – Gokhale – Institute of Politics and Economics
Institutions Worked With	– Indian Institute of Foreign Trade – Department of Economic Affairs – National Council of Applied Economic Research – Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies – PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Economic Contributions	– Published extensively on governance, public finance, macroeconomics, and infrastructure – Provided critical insights into Indian Railways
Awards	– Padma Shri
Legacy	– Pioneered economic reforms and policy insights – Promoted Indian cultural and spiritual heritage – Made ancient Indian texts accessible to modern readers