Eminent economist, House of Lords member Meghnad Desai passes away at 85
London, July 30, 2025:
World-renowned economist, academician, author, and political thinker Lord Meghnad Desai has passed away at the age of 85, leaving behind a towering legacy that bridged continents, ideologies, and academic disciplines. He breathed his last on July 29, 2025, drawing heartfelt tributes from leaders, scholars, and institutions across the globe.
Born in Vadodara, Gujarat, in 1940, Meghnad Desai began his academic journey in India before venturing to the United States to complete a PhD in Economics at the University of Pennsylvania. His intellectual pursuit led him to the London School of Economics (LSE) in 1965, where he spent nearly four decades nurturing young minds, publishing path-breaking research, and founding influential institutes.
A Life Devoted to Knowledge and Reform
Desai was not just an economist but a prolific commentator on society, politics, and global affairs. Over the years, he authored more than 20 books and 200 research papers, delving into areas such as Marxist theory, development economics, globalization, and Indian politics. Among his notable works are Marx’s Revenge (2002), a provocative take on the relevance of Karl Marx in the 21st century, and Rethinking Islamism, which explored global ideological conflicts.
His writing style was both accessible and intellectually rich, appealing to academics and general readers alike. He was a rare voice that combined deep theoretical knowledge with practical policy insights, making his opinions sought after by governments, think tanks, and international media.
Lord in the House, Scholar of the People
In 1991, Desai was made a life peer in the British Parliament’s House of Lords, earning the title Baron Desai of St. Clement Danes. Initially affiliated with the Labour Party, he later became a crossbench peer, particularly vocal in criticizing antisemitism and political dogma within the party. His shift signaled his consistent stance on intellectual independence and integrity—traits that defined his public life.
As a member of the Lords, he often raised questions on global development, the impact of colonial legacies, and the need for reform in British and Indian institutions. His speeches—always marked by clarity and conviction—won him admirers across political lines.
Desai and India: A Deep, Enduring Bond
Although he spent most of his professional life in the United Kingdom, Meghnad Desai remained deeply connected to India. His commentaries on Indian politics, economy, and society were regular features in Indian newspapers and journals. In 2008, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan, the nation’s third-highest civilian honor, in recognition of his contributions to education and public policy.
Desai’s belief in India’s democratic resilience was evident in his repeated defenses of pluralism, secularism, and market reforms. He was also instrumental in setting up the Meghnad Desai Academy of Economics in Mumbai, an institution that aimed to provide world-class education in applied economics.
A Polymath and Cultural Enthusiast
Beyond economics and politics, Lord Desai had a keen interest in cinema, particularly Indian film. One of his favorite works was Nehru’s Hero: Dilip Kumar in the Life of India (2004), where he examined the cultural and political significance of Bollywood’s legendary actor. His appreciation for storytelling, drama, and art added a unique dimension to his personality.
Friends and colleagues often described him as larger than life, warm, witty, and unafraid to speak his mind. Whether engaging in academic debate or cultural discussions, Desai always brought depth and clarity to the table.
Tributes Pour In
Following news of his passing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute, calling Desai a “distinguished thinker, writer, and economist” who “played a vital role in deepening India-UK relations.” The London School of Economics described him as “one of its most distinguished alumni and former faculty,” while fellow members of the House of Lords remembered him as “a fierce intellect” and “a bridge between worlds.”
His wife, Lady Kishwar Desai, a noted author and cultural commentator, expressed deep grief at the loss of her husband, describing him as “a rockstar economist” who was “as passionate about Bollywood as he was about Keynes and Marx.”
End of an Era
With Lord Meghnad Desai’s passing, the world has lost not just a scholar but a beacon of thoughtful dissent and global citizenship. He was an economist who questioned economic dogma, a politician who valued principles over partisanship, and a thinker who transcended borders.
His life reminds us that knowledge must serve society, that ideas must challenge power, and that the pursuit of truth—however uncomfortable—is the highest calling of public intellectuals.
