Bibek Debroy’s legacy is a rare blend of economic expertise and classical scholarship in Sanskrit, setting him apart as a notable economist with deep insights into ancient Indian literature. Known for his extensive work translating Sanskrit texts, Debroy undertook monumental projects like the Puranas, Valmiki’s Ramayana, and the Mahabharata. His interests spanned economics, culture, and the linguistic intricacies of Sanskrit, creating a unique intellectual profile. Beyond his translations, Debroy’s contributions ranged from railway reforms to economic research, while even exploring culturally niche subjects like the role of dogs in Indian society.
His academic pursuits in economics involved research on fundamental issues such as economic theory, income inequality, and infrastructure financing, which he explored across various roles within and outside of government positions. These often intersected with his scholarly engagements, marking him as an intellectual whose work crossed disciplinary lines. However, his career wasn’t without its controversies. One notable instance was in 2005 when, as Director of Research at the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Contemporary Studies, he published a paper on economic freedom that rated Gujarat as the leading state in India. This research, conducted with support from the German organization Friedrich Naumann Stiftung and published by the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, reportedly led to his reassignment.
In a recent chapter of his career, Debroy resigned as Chancellor of the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) in September, following a court decision that provided relief to Vice-Chancellor Ajit Ranade, who had previously been removed from his position. Debroy had taken on the role of Chancellor in July, adding another respected institution to his career accomplishments. Reflecting on his life and contributions, he penned a column in The Indian Express, posing a poignant question just days before his passing: “What if I am not there? What indeed?”
An alumnus of Presidency College, Kolkata, Debroy’s academic foundation was further enriched by studies at Delhi School of Economics and Cambridge’s Trinity College. His extensive career included positions at Presidency College, the Gokhale Institute, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, and as Director of a legal reform project with the Ministry of Finance and the UN Development Programme (UNDP). Debroy was also a member of the government think tank, NITI Aayog, until 2019, where he provided crucial insights on policy matters.
In 2016, Debroy chaired the committee that recommended the integration of the Rail Budget with the Union Budget, a significant shift that was implemented in the 2017-18 fiscal year. His interest in reform extended beyond government policy to cultural preservation through his translations, which aimed to make ancient Sanskrit texts accessible to the modern reader. His notable works include a ten-volume translation of the Mahabharata, a three-volume Ramayana by Valmiki, as well as the Shiva Purana and other Mahapuranas. In Sarama and Her Children, he explored themes within Hinduism and conveyed his personal admiration for dogs.
Following his passing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed heartfelt condolences, emphasizing Debroy’s broad scholarly influence. Modi stated, “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.” He went on to say, “Beyond his contributions to public policy, he enjoyed working on our ancient texts, making them accessible to the youth.” Reflecting on his personal connection with Debroy, Modi added, “I have known Dr. Debroy for many years. I will fondly remember his insights and passion for academic discourse. Saddened by his passing away. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti.”
Bibek Debroy’s scholarly journey and impactful work in both economics and ancient texts will remain a significant contribution to India’s cultural and intellectual legacy.
