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Lord Meghnad Desai, a distinguished economist, public intellectual, and influential voice in both India and the United Kingdom, passed away in London on 29 July 2025 at the age of 85. His death closes a chapter on a career that seamlessly connected academia and politics, India and Britain, and economic theory with practical governance.
Early Life And Academic Foundations
Born in Vadodara, Gujarat, in 1940, Meghnad Desai developed an early interest in social and economic inequality. He pursued an economics degree at the University of Mumbai and later earned his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on development economics and the macroeconomic issues faced by emerging economies.
Career At London School Of Economics
Desai joined the London School of Economics (LSE) in 1965 and rose to become Professor of Economics by 1983. In 1992, he founded the Centre for the Study of Global Governance, which explored themes such as post?colonial transitions and shifting global power structures. His teaching style combined classical economic theories with Marxist thought, fostering lively debates on capitalism, socialism, and policy reform.
Role In UK Politics
In 1991, Desai was appointed a life peer as Lord Desai of St Clement Danes, granting him a seat in the UK House of Lords. Initially aligned with the Labour Party, he later became an independent crossbencher, allowing him to take positions free of party influence. In Parliament, he championed issues including India?UK relations, development aid, immigration policy, and the effects of globalisation on marginalised groups.
Writing And Intellectual Contributions
A prolific scholar, Lord Desai authored over a dozen books and 200 academic papers. His notable works include Marxian Economic Theory (1973) and India Grows at Night (2013). His writing tackled subjects like capitalism’s revival, the role of the state in development, and questions of cultural identity. Beyond academia, he wrote widely read columns and essays, making complex economic debates accessible to the wider public.
Strengthening India?UK Ties
Though based primarily in the UK, Lord Desai maintained a deep connection to India. He advised governments and contributed to the discourse around India’s economic liberalisation. Advocating for a model of democratic capitalism, he emphasised the need for robust institutions and social safety nets to balance growth and equity. His nuanced approach helped bridge ideological divides in a polarised era.
Awards And Recognition
Lord Desai received the Padma Bhushan in 2008 for his exceptional contributions to economics and public service. He also held honorary doctorates and advisory roles with international organisations such as the United Nations and World Bank. Known for his clarity and warmth, he inspired generations of students and readers alike.
Legacy And Lasting Impact
Lord Meghnad Desai’s legacy lies in his intellectual courage and ability to blend Marxist insights with advocacy for market reforms. He was a British lawmaker with a deep love for India, and an academic who wrote like a journalist, ensuring his ideas reached far beyond lecture halls. His work continues to offer guidance on pressing global issues such as inequality, fragile democracies, and ideological tensions.
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