Bibek Debroy Honoured Posthumously with Padma Bhushan for Literary Contributions and Economic Insights

Economist Bibek Debroy has been awarded the Padma Bhushan posthumously for his significant contributions to literature and education. Debroy passed away on November 1, 2024, at 69. He served as an economic advisor to the Prime Minister and was a former member of NITI Aayog. His unique expertise in classical Sanskrit and ancient texts set him apart from other economists.

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Debroy's scholarly pursuits were diverse, with a deep passion for translating Sanskrit texts and dedication to railway reforms. His translations include the Puranas, Valmiki Ramayana, and the Mahabharata. He also explored various research areas such as economic theory, income inequality, and infrastructure financing. An unusual interest of his was studying the role of dogs in Indian/Hindu life.

Debroy's Academic Journey

An alumnus of Presidency College, Kolkata, Debroy furthered his studies at Delhi School of Economics and Trinity College, Cambridge. His career included roles at Presidency College, Kolkata; Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune; and Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi. He also directed a Ministry of Finance/UNDP project on legal reforms.

In 2016, Debroy chaired a committee whose recommendations led to merging the Rail Budget with the Union Budget from 2017-18. His work extended beyond economics into ancient Indian texts. He translated numerous Sanskrit books into English, including ten volumes of the Mahabharata and three volumes of Valmiki Ramayana.

Debroy's Literary Contributions

Debroy authored and edited several books, papers, and articles while serving as a consulting editor for various newspapers. His literary contributions reflect his broad interests beyond economics. One notable work is "Sarama and Her Children," which combines his interest in Hinduism with his affection for dogs.

His tenure at NITI Aayog lasted until June 5, 2019. Debroy's legacy includes his profound knowledge of ancient texts and significant contributions to economic policy and literature. His work will be remembered for its depth and diversity across multiple fields.