Renowned Economist and Author Meghnad Desai Passes Away at 85

The world of economics and literature mourns the loss of Lord Meghnad Desai, the eminent Indian-born British economist, author, and peer, who passed away at the age of 85. Known for his sharp intellect, independent views, and lasting contributions to academia and public life, Desai leaves behind a rich legacy that bridged India and the United Kingdom in unique ways.

Early Life and Academic Journey

Meghnad Desai was born in Vadodara in 1940. His academic brilliance took him to the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a PhD in Economics in 1963. Two years later, he moved to London, beginning his association with the London School of Economics (LSE) as a lecturer. Over the decades, he rose to become a professor and later a professor emeritus, mentoring generations of students and shaping global debates on economics.

Political Career and Public Service

In 1991, Desai was nominated to the House of Lords as a Labour Party peer, becoming one of the most prominent Indian-origin figures in British politics. However, in 2020, he resigned from the Labour Party citing its failure to address antisemitic racism, continuing as a crossbench peer.

His contributions went beyond academia and politics—he played a pivotal role in strengthening India-UK ties and served as a bridge between cultures. Recognizing his contributions, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan in 2008.

Literary Contributions

• A prolific writer, Desai authored numerous books covering economics, politics, and culture.
• His final work, published in 2022, was “The Poverty of Political Economy: How Economics Abandoned the Poor”, a strong critique of global economic structures.
• In 2004, he penned “Nehru’s Hero: Dilip Kumar in the Life of India”, a unique biography of the legendary actor that blended cinema with India’s political and cultural evolution.

Legacy in India-UK Relations

As the founder-trustee of the Gandhi Statue Memorial Trust, Desai spearheaded efforts to raise funds for the Mahatma Gandhi statue at Parliament Square, London, which was inaugurated in 2015 by then British Prime Minister David Cameron. This initiative became a symbol of India-UK friendship and a testament to his vision of cultural diplomacy.