The Government of India has posthumously honoured Shri Bibek Debroy with the Padma Bhushan, recognizing his monumental contributions to literature, education, and public policy. A renowned economist, Sanskrit scholar, translator, and public intellectual, Shri Debroy passed away on November 1, 2024, leaving behind a legacy that bridged ancient Indian knowledge and contemporary governance.
Born in Kolkata and based in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, Debroy held key positions including Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister and Member of NITI Aayog. He played an instrumental role in major policy reforms, particularly in Indian Railways and fiscal strategy, while also championing public transparency and economic inclusiveness.
Equally celebrated was his prolific literary work. He translated several core Sanskrit texts into English—Mahabharata, Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and Puranas—making them accessible to modern readers around the world. His translation of the Mahabharata alone spans over 10 volumes and is regarded as one of the most faithful and comprehensive modern renditions.
Throughout his career, Debroy wrote and edited over 50 books covering diverse fields including economics, ancient Indian texts, law, and governance. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2015 and now, with the Padma Bhushan in 2025, joins the league of India’s most respected thinkers.
Leaders from across the political and academic spectrum paid tribute to his memory. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him a “towering scholar,” while President Droupadi Murmu remembered him as a “multifaceted public intellectual who enriched the nation through his ideas, research, and vision.”
Shri Bibek Debroy’s life and work continue to inspire generations of policymakers, scholars, and readers. His posthumous Padma Bhushan stands as a fitting tribute to a man who exemplified intellectual depth, cultural preservation, and national service.
