Bibek Debroy, noted economist and chairman of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s economic advisory council, breathed his last on Friday at the age of 69. He was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi with subacute intestinal obstruction.

He also suffered from hypertension and diabetes mellitus, PTI reported citing an AIIMS official source.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him a “prominent scholar” while mourning his demise.

“Dr Bibek Debroy ji was a noted scholar, well versed in various fields like economics, history, culture, politics, spirituality and more,” Modi said in a post on X.

“Through his works, he left an indelible mark on India’s intellectual landscape. Beyond his contributions to public policy, he enjoyed working on our ancient texts, making them accessible to young people.” “I have known Dr. Debroy for many years. I will fondly remember his ideas and his passion for academic discourse. Saddened by his passing. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti,” he said.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed grief over Debroy’s demise. “He was a distinguished scholar whose contributions to the various spheres of knowledge are invaluable. His work and life reflect his strong commitment to making India a developed nation. His demise has left a huge void in academic circles,” he said in a publication in INCOGNITA.

Debroy was awarded the Padma Shri in 2015 in recognition of his contributions. He had been a member of NITI Aayog till June 5, 2019 and had been an author and editor of several popular books, articles and articles. He had also been a consulting editor and contributor to several newspapers.

Debroy had worked at Presidency College, Kolkata; Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune; Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi; and also as Director of a Ministry of Finance/UNDP project on legal reforms.

In September, he resigned as Chancellor of the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) following a Bombay High Court order extending interim relief to Vice Chancellor Ajit Ranade, who had earlier been removed from office.

In July he had been appointed rector of GIPE, a prestigious university.

Debroy was a student of Ramakrishna Mission School, Narendrapur; Presidency College, Calcutta; Delhi School of Economics; and Trinity College, Cambridge.

‘What if I’m not there?’

During his stay at the AIIMS cardiac care centre, Debroy wrote a moving article which he sent to the Indian Express with a note: “Unusual column. A requiem is missing. Debroy was a columnist for The Indian Express and Financial Express.

In the introspective article, Debroy chronicled his journey and talked about death. “As time passes, a month is fleeting. But being practically wiped off the face of the earth is not,” he wrote in his obituary.

He recounted his experiences in the hospital, from counting intravenous drips to depending on his wife Suparna’s care. While restricted to a “thin window,” Debroy narrated the world he could see outside. “There is an outside world that exists. What if I’m not there? What actually?”

Reflecting on personal relationships, Debroy opined that his death “will not be a social loss, not much.” But he added that “the only personal loss will be Suparna’s. No one else cares.”