Remembering Dr. Radhika Pandey: The Brilliant Economist Who Shaped India’s Policy Landscape

Why Is Radhika Pandey in the News?

The Indian academic and policy world is mourning the sudden loss of Dr. Radhika Pandey—a leading economist, policy researcher, teacher, and beloved columnist—who passed away on June 28, 2025, at just 46 years old. Her passing, after a brave battle with illness, has sent shockwaves through the economics and public policy community, with tributes pouring in from colleagues, students, and top policymakers.

‍ Radhika Pandey: A Life of Scholarship & Service

• Education:

  • B.A. (Honors) in Economics from Banaras Hindu University

  • M.A. & Ph.D. in Economics from Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur

• Career:

  • Lecturer at National Law University, Jodhpur

  • Associate Professor & Senior Fellow at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP), New Delhi

• Expertise:

  • Macroeconomics, business cycles, monetary policy, financial sector regulation, capital controls, public debt management

Her Impact: Research, Policy & Communication

• Policy Shaper:
  Dr. Pandey played a pivotal role in shaping India’s financial laws and frameworks. She was a core member of key government committees, including:

  • Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC)

  • Task Force on Public Debt Management Agency

  • Working Group on Foreign Investment

• Prolific Writer & Communicator:

  • Regular columnist for ThePrint (her “MacroSutra” series made economics accessible to all!)

  • Contributor to Business Standard, Bloomberg Quint, and more

• ️ Great Communicator:

  • Known for breaking down complex economic concepts for the public through articles and videos

The Human Side: Dedication, Generosity & Inspiration

• Mentor & Friend:
  Radhika was admired for her sharp intellect, generosity, and willingness to help colleagues and students. She was described as “one of the most dedicated people” in her field.

• Tributes:
  Ila Patnaik, Chief Economist at Aditya Birla Group, called her passing “a tremendous loss for the community, and for me personally. She was one of those rare academics who had experience in both law and finance, and her contribution in policy making was huge”.

Achievements & Recent Work

• Recent Publications:

  • “The journey of inflation targeting in India” (2024)

  • “Understanding States’ Debt and Bond Markets” (2024)

  • “Potential implications of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism” (2024)

• ️ Professional Activities:

  • Advisor to central, state, and local governments

  • Technical research on virtual currencies and fintech

• Influence:
  Her research and policy advice are visible in many of India’s recent economic reforms and financial regulations.

Her Final Battle & Legacy

Dr. Pandey’s last weeks were marked by a courageous fight against illness. She was hospitalized with complications from typhoid, which led to acute liver failure and required a transplant. Despite a valiant effort and her son’s donation, she passed away at ILBS, New Delhi.

Even during her illness, she was committed to her work—insisting on recording her last “MacroSutra” episode from the hospital bed. She leaves behind her husband, Sanjay, and son, Kanishk.

Why Her Loss Matters

• ️ Policy Impact:
  Her research continues to guide India’s economic policy, especially in monetary frameworks, public debt, and financial regulation.

• ‍ Inspiration:
  She set a benchmark for women in economics and public policy, inspiring countless young scholars and professionals.

• Voice for the Public:
  Her ability to communicate economics to the masses made her a rare bridge between academia and everyday citizens.

In Her Own Words

“She didn’t focus on just publishing papers but on the real research that goes behind actual policy making.”
— Ila Patnaik, Economist & Colleague

Quick Facts Table

Final Tribute

The passing of Dr. Radhika Pandey is a profound loss to India’s policy, academic, and public discourse. Her work, wisdom, and warmth will continue to inspire generations. The policies she helped shape and the minds she mentored are her living legacy.