New Delhi: Lord Meghnad Desai, noted economist, academic, and member of the UK House of Lords, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 85. A towering figure in both economic scholarship and public life, Desai was widely admired for his intellectual independence and deep-rooted ties to India.
Born in 1940 in Vadodara, Gujarat, Desai pursued his Master’s degree at the University of Bombay before moving abroad to complete his PhD at the University of Pennsylvania. His academic career flourished at the London School of Economics (LSE), where he taught for nearly four decades and was later named Professor Emeritus.
Desai was elevated to the House of Lords in 1991, where he became an influential voice in shaping economic policy for the Labour Party. Known for his fearless opinions and willingness to question political leadership, he also played a significant role in strengthening India–UK relations.
In India, he founded the Meghnad Desai Academy of Economics in Mumbai, with the aim of nurturing young talent in the field. Despite his global stature, he remained deeply connected to Indian culture and intellectual traditions throughout his life.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over Desai’s demise, recalling their insightful conversations and his enduring commitment to India. In a message posted on X, the PM wrote that Desai was “a distinguished thinker, writer and economist” who “always remained connected to India and Indian culture.”
Beyond politics and teaching, Desai made lasting contributions through his writing and research. He authored eight books and over 200 academic papers, exploring diverse subjects including globalisation, market liberalisation, and Marxian economic theory. His best-known works include Marxian Economic Theory, Marx’s Revenge, The Rediscovery of India, and Who Wrote the Bhagavad Gita?
He also established LSE’s Centre for the Study of Global Governance and served as an honorary associate of the UK’s National Secular Society, advocating for secularism and evidence-based policymaking.
Desai’s passing marks the end of an era for scholars, policymakers, and readers who valued his clarity of thought, global perspective, and unwavering dedication to knowledge.
