VSV
Economist

Vijay Shankar Vyas

Born 1 January 1931 · Rajasthan — Died 12 September 2018

Authored six influential books on agricultural economics in India.

Vijay Shankar Vyas was a noted agricultural economist of India. He hailed from Pushkarna Brahmin community in Bikaner and authored six books. Vyas died on 12 September 2018.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Vijay Shankar Vyas was an honorary life member of the International Association of Agricultural Economists, a rare recognition highlighting his international impact in a specialized field.

The Story

1
📚 In 1960, Vijay Shankar Vyas earned his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Bombay, a step that launched him into decades of agricultural economic research focused on India's rural development.
2
🌾 In the early 1970s, he founded the Agro-Economic Research Centre at Sardar Patel University in Gujarat, establishing a hub that shaped agricultural policy research for the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
3💼 Between 1980 and 1990, Vyas served as Director of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, where he influenced management education with an emphasis on rural and agricultural economics.
4🌍 In the 1990s, he became Senior Advisor for Agriculture and Rural Development at the World Bank in Washington D.C., linking Indian agricultural economics with global development strategies.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Padma Bhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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Vijay Shankar Vyas served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture in Cali, Colombia, linking Indian agricultural economics with global tropical agriculture research.

📸 Through the Years

📷

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Bikaner, Rajasthan
Vijay Shankar Vyas was born into the Pushkarna Brahmin community in Bikaner, setting the stage for his future contributions to agricultural economics.
1931
📚
Education
Completed Ph.D. in Economics
Vyas earned his doctoral degree from the University of Bombay, marking his formal entry into economic research.
1960
⚡
Career
Founded Agro-Economic Research Centre
He established the AERC at Sardar Patel University, Gujarat, to advance agricultural economic studies for government policy use.
c.1970
⚡
Career
Director of IIM Ahmedabad
Vyas took charge as Director at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, influencing management education with rural economy focus.
c.1980
⚡
Career
Senior Advisor at World Bank
He served as Senior Advisor in Agriculture and Rural Development at the World Bank, Washington D.C., linking Indian agriculture to global policies.
c.1990
🏅
Award
Received Padma Bhushan Award
On Republic Day, Vyas was honored by the President of India with the Padma Bhushan for contributions to agricultural economics.
2006
🕊️
Death
Passed away
Vijay Shankar Vyas died on 12 September 2018, leaving behind a rich legacy in agricultural economic research.
2018
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🗝️Discoveries

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01 / 04
💡SURPRISING

In addition to national roles, Vyas was a member of the Governing Board of the Institute of Development Studies, Sussex University, UK, demonstrating his influence extended well beyond India.

02 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Vyas was deeply involved in policymaking as a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India and Deputy Chairman of the Rajasthan State Planning Board, blending academic insight with governance.

03 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

He authored six books and numerous articles, contributing to both national and international journals, reflecting a prolific academic output rarely matched in agricultural economics.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Prof. VS Vyas' 3rd Memorial Oration - Why Valourise the Peasantry?
·YouTube

🌱 What changed because of them

Vyas established the Agro-Economic Research Centre at Sardar Patel University, which became a cornerstone for agricultural policy research in India. His tenure as Director at IIM Ahmedabad integrated rural economic issues into management studies, influencing generations of students and policymakers. His advisory role at the World Bank helped align Indian agricultural development with global economic frameworks, shaping policies that affected millions of farmers.

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