Bibek Debroy, a prominent Indian economist and chairman of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Economic Advisory Council, has died at the age of 69. He passed away today at 7 am due to intestinal obstruction, as confirmed by AIIMS Delhi.

Debroy, a Padma Shri awardee, was highly respected for his extensive knowledge across various fields, including economics, history, culture, and politics. Prime Minister Modi expressed his condolences on social media, describing Debroy as a "towering scholar" who made significant contributions to India's intellectual landscape. "Through his works, he left an indelible mark... He enjoyed working on our ancient texts, making them accessible to the youth," Modi stated.

A well-educated individual, Debroy completed his studies at institutions including Ramakrishna Mission School in Narendrapur, Presidency College in Kolkata, Delhi School of Economics, and Trinity College, Cambridge. His illustrious career included roles at the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics in Pune, and the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade in Delhi. He also served as a member of NITI Aayog until June 5, 2019, where he was instrumental in shaping India's Three-Year Action Agenda for economic growth.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan paid tribute to Debroy, calling him a "distinguished economist" and an "excellent academician." He noted Debroy's policy guidance and contributions to India's development, emphasizing the impact of his writings in newspapers, which "enriched and enlightened millions."

In addition to his influential policy work, Debroy is known for his comprehensive translation of the Mahabharata into English, published in a multi-volume series that has garnered global acclaim for its scholarly rigor. He also represented India's economic interests in various global forums and served as a consultant for organizations such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

Debroy's passing marks a significant loss for the fields of economics and academia in India. He leaves behind a lasting legacy through his scholarly contributions and commitment to public policy.