Bibek Debroy, a renowned Indian economist and chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC-PM), passed away on Friday morning at the age of 69. Known for his extensive knowledge in multiple domains, Debroy left an enduring impact on India’s intellectual and economic landscape.
Tribute from Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on Debroy’s passing, highlighting his diverse scholarly contributions:
- PM Modi’s Statement: “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.”
- Contributions to Ancient Texts: Modi noted Debroy’s passion for making India’s ancient texts accessible to the youth, particularly his work on translations of classical Sanskrit literature.
Early Education and Academic Background
Debroy’s educational journey and early academic career laid a strong foundation for his future contributions:
- Schooling: Ramakrishna Mission School, Narendrapur.
- Higher Education:
- Presidency College, Kolkata
- Delhi School of Economics
- Trinity College, Cambridge
- Teaching Career: He held teaching roles in prestigious institutions, including Presidency College, Kolkata, and Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune.
Career Highlights and Contributions
Debroy’s professional journey covered a broad spectrum, with significant contributions to economic policy, legal reforms, and Indian classical literature.
- Economic and Public Policy: His work spanned various areas including macroeconomics, public finance, infrastructure, and governance.
- Leadership Roles:
- Director of a Ministry of Finance/UNDP project focused on legal reforms.
- Consulting and contributing editor for various newspapers.
- Membership in NITI Aayog: He served as a member of the NITI Aayog up until June 5, 2019.
Contributions to Indian Classical Literature
Debroy gained widespread recognition for translating ancient Sanskrit texts, making significant cultural contributions:
- Major Works: Notably translated the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita, which resonated with modern readers.
- Impact on Youth: His translations aimed to bridge the gap between ancient Indian wisdom and contemporary audiences.
Legacy and Impact
Bibek Debroy’s contributions in economic policy and literature leave a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations of scholars and policymakers in India.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Which position did Bibek Debroy hold before his passing?
- a) Chairman of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
- b) Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC-PM)
- c) Member of the Rajya Sabha
- d) Head of the Ministry of Finance
- Answer: b) Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC-PM)
- Which of the following ancient texts did Bibek Debroy translate into modern languages?
- a) The Ramayana
- b) The Bhagavad Gita and the Mahabharata
- c) The Arthashastra
- d) The Upanishads
- Answer: b) The Bhagavad Gita and the Mahabharata
- Where did Bibek Debroy complete his schooling?
- a) Presidency College, Kolkata
- b) Ramakrishna Mission School, Narendrapur
- c) Trinity College, Cambridge
- d) Delhi School of Economics
- Answer: b) Ramakrishna Mission School, Narendrapur
- Up to which year was Bibek Debroy a member of the NITI Aayog?
- a) 2017
- b) 2018
- c) 2019
- d) 2020
- Answer: c) 2019
- Prime Minister Modi commended Debroy for his contributions to which field(s)?
- a) Public policy
- b) Ancient texts
- c) Both a and b
- d) Literature only
- Answer: c) Both a and b