Lord Meghnad Desai, renowned British-Indian economist and parliamentarian, has passed away at the age of 85. He made significant contributions to strengthening India-UK relations. PM Modi paid tribute to him, remembering his contributions.
Lord Meghnad Desai: British-Indian economist and thinker Lord Meghnad Desai passed away on Tuesday at the age of 85. Desai was a scholar who left a deep impression not only in the academic world but also in politics and global dialogue. His role in giving a new direction to relations between India and Britain will always be remembered.
PM Modi Pays Tribute
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Lord Desai, describing him as a "thoughtful bridge between India and British society." He said that Desai was always connected to India and Indian culture and strengthened the identity of Indian values on international platforms.
The Prime Minister wrote on social media, "Saddened by the passing away of Meghnad Desai Ji. He was a distinguished thinker, writer and economist. He made a significant contribution to strengthening India-UK relations."
Journey from Gujarat to London
Lord Desai was born in 1940 in Vadodara, Gujarat. He received his early education in India and then earned a PhD in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania, USA. In 1965, he joined the London School of Economics (LSE), where he taught for four decades. His scholarship and teaching style earned him a distinguished place in the global academic community.
An Indian Voice in the House of Lords
In 1991, Meghnad Desai was nominated to the House of Lords in Britain as a Peer on behalf of the Labour Party. This was a recognition not only of his academic contributions but also of his role as a representative of the Indian community. There, he continued to raise issues related to India vociferously and played an active role in giving new thought and perspective to India-UK relations.
A Symbol of Public Discourse and Independent Thinking
Lord Desai was also known for his independent political views and active role in public discourse. He was not bound by any political ideology and often expressed views different from his party due to his habit of thinking and understanding independently.
A Prolific Writer and Thinker
Meghnad Desai was a writer who wrote extensively not only on economics but also on politics, culture, and India's development journey. His writings provide in-depth analysis of India's contemporary situation, the global economic perspective, and India's political challenges.
Desai also contributed to the Gandhi statue in Parliament
House of Lords member Lord Rami Ranger called Lord Desai "a pillar of the community." He said that Desai played an important role in establishing the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the British Parliament building. Ranger remembered him as a leader who always worked towards gaining respect for Indian values and culture.
The Government of India had honored Meghnad Desai with the Padma Bhushan award in view of his multifaceted contribution. This honor is a testament to his academic, political and social contributions.
