Bibek Debroy

Bibek Debroy (25 January 1955 – 1 November 2024) was an eminent Indian economist, academic, author, and public policy expert whose work extended far beyond the boundaries of economics into the realms of literature, philosophy, and governance. Recognised for his intellectual versatility and clarity of thought, Debroy played a vital role in shaping India’s economic and institutional reforms while also bringing classical Sanskrit literature to a global audience through his translations.

Early Life and Education

Bibek Debroy was born in Shillong, then part of Assam and now in Meghalaya, into a Bengali Hindu family. He received his early education at Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya, Narendrapur, which emphasised discipline, service, and intellectual development. He later attended Presidency College in Kolkata, where he obtained a degree in Economics, and went on to complete his postgraduate studies at the Delhi School of Economics.
He subsequently pursued advanced research at Trinity College, University of Cambridge, under the supervision of the renowned economist Frank Hahn. This blend of Indian and British academic experience deeply influenced Debroy’s analytical approach, allowing him to integrate global economic frameworks with an understanding of Indian realities.

Academic and Professional Career

Debroy began his professional journey in academia, teaching and conducting research in some of India’s most respected institutions. He worked at the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics in Pune and later at the Centre for Policy Research in New Delhi. Over time, he became a leading voice in public policy discussions, contributing to major research projects and public debates on economic reform.
In addition to his academic work, Debroy held numerous advisory roles in the Government of India. From 2014 to 2019, he served as a member of NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India), the government’s premier policy think tank. In 2017, he was appointed as the Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), where he played a key role in shaping macroeconomic and structural reform policies. He also chaired several committees on public-sector reform, railway modernisation, and infrastructure financing, providing frameworks that have influenced long-term economic governance.

Contributions to Economics and Governance

Bibek Debroy’s scholarly and policy contributions encompassed a wide range of areas within economics and governance. His writings and reports often focused on issues such as:

• Labour Market Reforms: Advocating simplification and modernisation of India’s labour laws to encourage employment generation.
• Public Sector and Infrastructure: Proposing structural reforms to enhance the efficiency of public-sector undertakings and promote public–private partnerships in infrastructure.
• Fiscal Policy and Governance: Emphasising fiscal discipline, transparency, and decentralised decision-making.
• Legal and Institutional Reform: Recommending procedural simplification to improve ease of doing business and reduce bureaucratic delays.

As Chairman of the EAC-PM, Debroy’s advisory role was instrumental in coordinating research and policy advice on economic growth, poverty reduction, and institutional strengthening. His approach balanced market-oriented reforms with an emphasis on inclusive development, reflecting his belief that economic growth must be accompanied by social responsibility.

Contributions to Literature and Indology

Parallel to his career in economics, Bibek Debroy made remarkable contributions to the study and translation of India’s classical literature. His passion for Sanskrit led him to translate several of India’s foundational texts into English, making them accessible to modern readers while retaining their philosophical depth.
His most celebrated works include:

• Complete English translation of the Mahabharata in 10 volumes, acclaimed for its accuracy and fidelity to the original Sanskrit.
• Three-volume English translation of the Ramayana, bringing the epic to a global readership.
• Translations of several Puranas, including the Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana, and Markandeya Purana.

Through these translations, Debroy sought to revive interest in India’s literary and philosophical heritage, interpreting these texts as living documents of wisdom and ethics relevant to contemporary society. His work bridged the gap between classical thought and modern scholarship, demonstrating how India’s ancient traditions could coexist with modern rational inquiry.

Major Publications and Intellectual Interests

Debroy’s written corpus was vast, encompassing economic analysis, social commentary, and literary translation. His notable works in economics include India Labour Report, Corruption in India: The DNA and the RNA, and Reason and Reform: How Policy Reforms Have Shaped India. These publications reflect his consistent engagement with issues of economic liberalisation, governance, and institutional reform.
Outside his professional field, Debroy also explored cultural and intellectual subjects, authoring works such as Inked in India: Fountain Pens and a Story of Make and Unmake, which highlighted his personal fascination with craftsmanship and Indian creativity.

Recognition and Awards

Bibek Debroy was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2015 for his outstanding contribution to public affairs. Throughout his life, he received numerous academic and literary distinctions, as well as recognition from professional institutions for his interdisciplinary work. His intellectual integrity and ability to simplify complex ideas made him one of India’s most respected thinkers in both policy and literature.

Personal Philosophy and Character

Debroy was known for his humility, intellectual discipline, and devotion to scholarship. He led a life guided by principle and inquiry, often emphasising the importance of rational thought grounded in cultural awareness. Despite his high-profile roles in government, he maintained an independent mind and an unassuming lifestyle devoted to study and writing.