In a move celebrating intellectual excellence, NITI Aayog has inducted two Bengali luminaries: Dr. Ashok Lahiri as Vice Chairman and Dr. Gobardhan Das as Member. This strategic inclusion strengthens the think tank’s capacity to drive India’s developmental agenda under PM Modi’s Viksit Bharat blueprint.
Hailed as one of India’s foremost economists, Dr. Lahiri’s career is a testament to policy innovation. A Presidency University and Delhi School of Economics graduate from Kolkata, he has shaped economic discourse through stints at the Finance Commission, Chief Economic Advisor role, and global institutions like the World Bank and IMF. Over 40 years, his insights have influenced fiscal reforms and growth models, positioning him perfectly to guide NITI Aayog’s future initiatives.
Complementing this is Dr. Das, whose expertise in molecular sciences has redefined infectious disease research. Specializing in TB mechanisms, his three-decade career includes leadership at premier global labs. A Visva-Bharati alumnus, he transitioned from international acclaim back to India, now directing IISER Bhopal.
What elevates Dr. Das’s story is its human depth. From Bangladesh refugee roots, facing displacement, poverty—studying under street lamps—and communal violence that claimed 17 relatives, his ascent defies odds. As a son of a poor farmer, his triumphs embody the Indian dream, inspiring a new generation while bolstering NITI Aayog’s scientific advisory edge.
