Lord Meghnad Desai: An intellectual giant, formidable economist, fearless commentator and a friendly soul

Lord Meghnad Jagdish Chandra Desai (July 10.1949-29 July 2025) was known for sharp intellect, fearless views, ability to blend Marxism, Keynesianism and liberal economic ideas and bridge ideological divide.

- SURENDRA KUMAR

He underlined the relevance of Marxism for Capitalism and Globalisation. He was an atheist but had a secular mind. He extolled capitalism and free market but his heart beat for the poor and developing world. No wonder, he founded LSE’s Centre for the Study of Global Governance and headed it from 1993-2003. He had also led LSE's Development Studies Institute. With Prof Amartya Sen and Mahbub ul Haq he was instrumental for the creation of pathbreaking Human Development Index. With a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania, Berkley he taught economics, macroeconomics, Marxism economics and developmental economics at the London School of Economies for 35 years (Prof from 1965-83). This was an impactful voice; his well-argued, bold and frank opinions on economic, political and strategic issues expressed through his 20+ books, over 200 articles and countless lectures were heard globally.