India’s apex policy think tank has a distinctly Bengali imprint in its new line-up, with senior economist Dr Ashok Lahiri appointed as Vice Chairperson and scientist Dr Gobardhan Das joining as Member.
The twin appointments place two West Bengal-born experts at the centre of national policymaking once again, underlining the state’s long-standing contribution to scholarship and governance. The development also comes at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ is shaping policy direction, with the reconstituted NITI Aayog expected to play a pivotal role.
Lahiri meets PM Modi, begins tenure at the helm
A day after assuming charge, Lahiri met Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi on Saturday in his first official engagement as Vice Chairperson. While details of the meeting were not disclosed, the interaction signals the beginning of his tenure at a time when India faces a complex global economic landscape.
With more than four decades in public policy and academia, Lahiri has held key positions across institutions, including Chief Economic Adviser and member of the Finance Commission, apart from stints with the Asian Development Bank, World Bank and the IMF.
An alumnus of Delhi School of Economics and Presidency University, Lahiri has often been described as “a proud Kolkatan, and leading Bengali Bhodrolok luminary” advocating Bengal’s development.
Senior Advisor in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Dilip Mandal, also congratulated Lahiri, saying, “India’s top economist, the die-hard Bengali Dr. Ashok Lahiri… will now be a key figure at NITI Aayog… He will guide how the country’s policies are shaped. This is a good selection by Prime Minister @narendramodi.”
Scientist Gobardhan Das brings global research experience
Joining Lahiri in the top ranks is Gobardhan Das, a molecular science expert with nearly three decades of work in immunology, infectious diseases and cell biology.
Das is internationally recognised for his research on tuberculosis and has led research projects at institutions such as Yale University, Houston Methodist Hospital, KwaZulu-Natal University and South Africa’s National Research Foundation before returning to India.
An alumnus of Viswa-Bharati University, he later became a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University and currently serves as Director of IISER Bhopal.
A journey shaped by hardship and resilience
Beyond his academic achievements, Das’s personal journey stands out. Born to Hindu Dalit refugees from Bangladesh, he grew up in difficult circumstances in West Bengal. With his father working as a farmer, Das reportedly studied under streetlights as a student.
He also endured the loss of 17 family members in riots in the state. He has carried those experiences with him, but not as baggage. Instead, they seem to have quietly shaped his work, a career rooted in science, and a steady focus on contributing to the country.
What NITI Aayog’s new line-up signals
NITI Aayog, which replaced the Planning Commission, remains the government’s central policy body, working closely with states while shaping economic direction.
With Lahiri and Das now part of its top structure, the institution brings together experience from two very different worlds – economics and scientific research – at a time when both are increasingly intersecting in policymaking.