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Padma Bhushan Awardee and Economist Meghnad Desai Passes Away at 85.

Obituary | Dated: 31 Jul 2025

Lord Meghnad Jagdishchandra Desai, a distinguished Indian-origin economist and member of the UK House of Lords, passed away on July 29, 2025, in London, at the age of 85. Desai was widely regarded for his profound contributions to economic thought, global governance, and India–UK relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute, calling him a “distinguished thinker, writer and economist” who remained deeply connected to Indian culture and values.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - Jagdishchandra Desai completed his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1963, then joined the London School of Economics (LSE) in 1965. He became a full Professor in 1983 and later served as Professor Emeritus until 2003. Among his lasting contributions was the founding of the Centre for the Study of Global Governance at LSE in 1992. His academic work spanned over 200 articles and more than 25 books across development economics, globalisation, Marxian analysis, and public policy.
  • - Elevated to the British peerage in June 1991 as Baron Desai of St. Clement Danes, he represented the Labour Party in the UK House of Lords. In 2020, he resigned from the party and became a crossbench peer, citing concerns over the party’s handling of antisemitism. Desai was deeply engaged in shaping policies on development aid, immigration, and globalisation.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) Awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2008, Desai's contributions extended beyond economics into diplomacy and public service. He was instrumental in establishing the Gandhi Memorial Statue outside the UK Parliament—a symbol of India–UK friendship. Tributes poured in from leaders across India and the UK, including Prime Minister Modi, who praised his role in strengthening bilateral ties.
  • (ii) Meghnad Desai seamlessly blended theory and practice—bridging academia, politics, and public discourse. He continued writing on economics, politics, and culture until late in life.
  • (iii) His 2022 book “The Poverty of Political Economy: How Economics Abandoned the Poor” underscored his intellectual evolution towards inclusive and critical economic thought. Widely respected as a mentor, he inspired generations of students and policymakers.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Recently, which Padma Bhushan awardee and renowned Indian-origin economist passed away on July 29, 2025, in London?

Correct Answer: Meghnad Desai

🚀 Quick Recap: