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Economist and Author

Inderjit Kaur Barthakur

Born 1 January 1934 · verify

Authored influential works on Indian economic policy and contributed to Assam's development planning.

Inderjit Kaur Barthakur is an Indian civil servant, economist and writer.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Inderjit Kaur Barthakur uniquely combined high-level economic policymaking with creative writing, publishing books on poetry and cuisine alongside her civil service career.

The Story

1
In 1934, Inderjit Kaur Barthakur was born in Meghalaya, a detail that roots her life and career in the culturally rich and diverse North East of India.
2
🌟 By 1990, she had taken the helm as president of the Indian Economics Association, a prestigious platform she led during a pivotal decade for India’s economic reforms.
3In the early 1990s, she received the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award in 1992, marking national recognition of her contributions to economics and civil service.
4As a member of the North Eastern Council (NEC), she holds a post equivalent in rank to a Minister of State, directly influencing policy and development strategies for the North East.

🏅 Awards & Honours

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Padma Shri

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1990, Barthakur became president of the Indian Economics Association, a rare honor for a woman during a period when female leadership in economics was scarce in India.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Birth in Meghalaya
Inderjit Kaur Barthakur was born in Meghalaya, India, grounding her roots in the North East.
1934
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Award
Received Mahila Shiromani Award
Awarded the Mahila Shiromani Award recognizing her contributions prior to the 1990s.
1989
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Career
President of Indian Economics Association
Led the Indian Economics Association, a significant professional body for economists in India.
1990
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Shri
Received the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian honor, for contributions to economics and civil service.
1992
🏅
Award
Received Bharat Jyoti Award
Honored with the Bharat Jyoti Award for distinguished service.
2008
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Award
Received Padma Bhushan
Awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian award, acknowledging decades of service.
2009
🏅
Award
Received Indira Priyadarshini Award
Recognized with the Indira Priyadarshini Award, marking continued excellence in public service.
2011
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

She holds a rank equivalent to a Minister of State as a member of the North Eastern Council, highlighting her political influence beyond typical civil service roles.

02 / 04
💡SURPRISING

Barthakur’s published works include poetry and cuisine, a unique combination rarely seen from economists or civil servants in India.

03 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

She was awarded the Padma Shri in 1992 and then the Padma Bhushan in 2009, showing a progression of recognition over nearly two decades.

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🌱 What changed because of them

Barthakur’s role in the North Eastern Council helped shape developmental policies tailored to the unique socio-economic challenges of India’s North East, a region often overlooked in national discourse. Her leadership in the Indian Economics Association during the 1990s coincided with crucial economic reforms, influencing academic and policy discussions. Additionally, her literary works brought attention to cultural narratives from the region, fostering greater appreciation of its diversity.

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