Kirit Parikh, Economist
Economist

Kirit Parikh

Born 1 January 1935 · verify

Founded the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR) in Mumbai.

Kirit S. Parikh is Emeritus Professor and Founder Director of Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR), Mumbai, India. He has also served as Senior Economic Advisor to United Nations Development Programme from October 1997 to September 1998. He has been a member of the Economic Advisory Council (EAC) for multiple Prime Ministers of India: Rajiv Gandhi, V.P.Singh, Chandra Shekhar, P.V.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Kirit Parikh is one of the few Indian economists with doctoral degrees in both civil engineering and economics from MIT, completed by 1963.

The Story

1
In 1956, Kirit Parikh earned his B.E. in Civil Engineering from Gujarat University, setting a foundation that bridged engineering with economics in India.
2
🌍 By 1963, he had completed both a D.Sc. in Civil Engineering and a master’s in Economics at MIT, USA, a rare combination that shaped his multidisciplinary approach to development.
3In 1986, he founded the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR) in Mumbai, an institution backed by the Reserve Bank of India, which became a hub for policy-oriented economic research.
4🏛 Between 1997 and 1998, he served as Senior Economic Advisor to the United Nations Development Programme, influencing global development policies from a uniquely Indian perspective.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Padma Bhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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By 1963, Kirit Parikh had completed a D.Sc. in Civil Engineering and a master's in Economics at MIT, combining two demanding disciplines rarely pursued together at the time.

🖼️

Through the Years

7 photographs from the archives
Dr. Kirit Parikh attending the Planning Commission meeting on Integrated Energy Policy in New Delhi (2006).
Dr. Kirit Parikh attending the Planning Commission meeting on Integrated Energy Policy in New Delhi (2006).
2006
Dr. Kirit Parikh addressing the India-IIASA Joint Workshop in New Delhi (2007).
Dr. Kirit Parikh releasing the Ground Water Management report in New Delhi (2007).
Dr. Kirit Parikh presenting the final Low Carbon Strategies report to the Planning Commission in New Delhi (2012).
Dr. Kirit Parikh presenting a committee report to the Union Minister for Petroleum in New Delhi (2013).

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Gujarat, India
Kirit S. Parikh was born in the state of Gujarat, India, beginning his journey from a region known for commerce and education.
c.1935
📚
Education
Graduated B.E. Civil Engineering
Completed his Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from Gujarat University, laying the groundwork for his multidisciplinary expertise.
1956
📚
Education
Earned M.Tech from IIT Kharagpur
Obtained a Master of Technology in Structures, adding advanced technical skills to his profile.
1957
📚
Education
Completed D.Sc. and MS at MIT
Achieved a Doctor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master’s in Economics from MIT, USA, merging engineering and economic analysis.
1963
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Career
Founded IGIDR, Mumbai
Established the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, supported by the Reserve Bank of India, fostering economic research.
1986
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Career
Advisor to UNDP
Appointed Senior Economic Advisor to the United Nations Development Programme, influencing international development policy.
1997
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
Received India's third highest civilian award for contributions to public affairs.
2009
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🗝️Discoveries

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01 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

From October 1997 to September 1998, Parikh served as Senior Economic Advisor to the United Nations Development Programme, representing India on a global economic stage.

02 / 04
👤PERSONAL

Since 1992, he has been the President of the Gujarat Institute of Development Research, linking his expertise back to his home state while influencing regional development policies.

03 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

He has authored and co-authored over 15 books including topics like optimum fertilizer requirements and natural resources accounting, showing his wide-ranging impact on economic and environmental policy.

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🌱 What changed because of them

Kirit Parikh transformed economic research in India by integrating engineering principles with economic policy, notably through founding IGIDR, which remains a key institution for development studies. His advisory roles across five prime ministerial terms directly influenced India's economic reforms and policy decisions in areas like water management, energy, and agriculture. The India Development Reports he edited offered critical, independent analyses that shaped discourse on India's developmental strategies.

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