All authors who write about the Mahabharata have to read its unabridged version. The most popular unabridged translation used to be the one by Kisari Mohan Ganguli, published in 1896. In the 21st century came a new translation that is now considered the gold standard, which was by none other than Dr. Bibek Debroy. His translations not only provide a fresh perspective on our ancient texts but also made them more accessible to a wider audience, thereby enriching our understanding of our past.

Dr. Debroy’s translation of the Critical Edition of the Mahabharata, a ten-volume masterpiece, is a testament to his dedication. It's truly remarkable that he accomplished this monumental work while being a full-time economist.

Dr. Debroy wore many hats during his lifetime. While he is known as only the second person to have translated both the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, he was also a distinguished economist. Just sample the kind of work he did:

• Director of the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies.

• Consultant, Department of Economic Affairs, Finance Ministry.

• Chairman, Committee for Development planning, Jharkhand.

• Chairman, High Power Committee to restructure Indian Railways.

• Member of NITI Aayog.

• President, Indian Statistical Institute.

• Chancellor, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics.

• Chairman PM Economic Advisory Council.

Someone holding such key positions for the government that calls for round the clock work would have immense responsibility. Imagine such a person bringing out authentic translations of not just the Ramayana and the Mahabharata but also the Puranas. Dr. Debroy’s translations have significantly enriched the study of Puranas, making them more accessible and engaging for readers. His penmanship is truly a testament to his dedication and love for our cultural heritage.

No one seems to know how Dr. Debroy managed time. As well-known author Gautam Chikermane ji wrote, Dr. Debroy would write books faster than he could read. The kind of productivity Dr.Debroy showed as an author would put to shame any full-time author. And these were not fiction novels. Each of the books involved hours and hours of research, reading, re-reading, and rewriting. He was truly an inspiration for all authors.

Dr. Debroy’s body of work as an author is tremendous. You're mistaken if you think he only wrote on our Puranas. Take a look at the books he has authored to understand his genius as an author:

1. Mahabharata.

2. Valmiki Ramayana.

3. The Holy Vedas.

4. Shiva Purana.

5. Vishnu Purana.

6. Bhagvad Gita for Millenials.

7. Brahmanda Purana.

8. Padma Purana.

9. Bhagavat Purana.

10. Harivamsha.

11. Brahma Purana.

12. Linga Purana.

13. Varaha Purana.

14. Agni Purana.

15. Skanda Purana.

16. The Upanishads.

17. Sarama and her Children.

18. Inked in India: Fountain Pens and a Story of Make and Unmake.

19. Jyotirlingam: Shiva and the 12 Columns of Light.

20. Manmatha Nath Dutt: Translator Extraordinaire.

21. Devi for Millenials.

22. The Book of Limericks.

23. Idea for India.

24. Sacred Songs: The Mahabharata’s Many Gitas.

25. Beyond the Uruguay Round: The Indian Perspective on GATT.

….. and many other books.

Dr. Bibek Debroy was a very important person thanks to his position as Economic Advisor to the PM. He was also an accomplished author. But what made him so loved was his readiness to help other authors. Dr. Debroy never hesitated to help even new writers.

As a budding author, I was deeply touched when Dr. Debroy, despite not knowing me, generously promoted my book on Twitter. He was kind enough to post photos of my book along with an encouraging post. His encouragement and support are something I will always be grateful for.

When my anthology Unsung Valour (curated by Saiswaroopa Iyer) was published, he posted saying he liked the story on Bhagadatta the most (written by me). That was truly a proud moment for me and an appreciation I will always cherish.

I read his books and articles, watched his interviews, and marveled at his deep knowledge of our Puranas. How can one man be an expert on economics, polity, Sanskrit, and the Puranas? Truly, Dr. Debroy was blessed by Saraswati Devi, and the work he has done will always be remembered.

For me as an author, his books were my primary source. Whenever I wrote anything or engaged in a discussion on the Mahabharata, I would always go back to his book to refer to facts. For one of my forthcoming books, I had reached out to him for permission to use quotes from his book.

He quickly replied permitting me to use his book's quotes. As I worked on the book, I hoped to send him the completed book to read, and then request him to write a few words on it. Alas, that was never to be. My book could not be completed, and now Dr. Debroy is no longer with us.

Dr. Debroy left us on Deepavali day, leaving darkness in the literary world. He has left behind a void that cannot be filled. Before him, Manmatha Nath Dutt was known as the translator of the Puranas. Today’s generation does not know who Dutt is, but they will know who Dr. Debroy was.

Undoubtedly, Dr. Debroy is now a part of our itihasa as a chronicler who shared stories & knowledge from our puranas. His books will be read as long as Bharata exists and will be a part of every library and book collection. While we mourn Dr. Debroy’s departure, we must ensure his mission continues.

Dr. Debroy wrote all that he did so that the knowledge repository from our past reaches future generations. As writers and readers, we must ensure this onerous task does not end. We must read his books, promote them to future generations, and continue writing on our amazing puranas and itihasas.

As an author, I am determined to keep writing about our Puranas and Itihasas, so that young people read and know about them. Whenever they read my book or the books of hundreds of authors like me, they are paying a tribute to Dr. Debroy. That is because all authors would have read his works, referred to them, and have been inspired by them,

Dr.Bibek Debroy was a colossus and a great son of Bharat Mata. He is truly the Manmatha Nath Dutt of our times. On behalf of the Verandah Club and myself, I salute the legend and pray that he reaches the abode of Saraswati, where he deserves to be. I also pray that his legacy inspires us so we can continue the monumental work he did all these years.

Deepak M R is a professional writer and author, who has previously worked in academics, training, and consulting. He is the author of the novel ‘Abhimanyu – the warrior prince’ (Bloomsbury, 2021). He is also a contributing author in the anthology Unsung Valour (Bloomsbury, 2020) and a KDP e-book ‘Mahabharata Tales: Justice for Draupadi and other stories’. He is an avid fan of Hindi film music.