Radhika Pandey Economist Passes Away at 46: A Nation Mourns

The Indian economic community is in deep mourning. Radhika Pandey, a renowned economist, policy researcher, and ThePrint columnist, passed away at 46, leaving behind a legacy that transformed financial policymaking in India.

Her untimely death on June 28, 2025, due to complications from an emergency liver transplant, has shaken everyone who followed her work, respected her intellect, and admired her dedication.

🧠 Who Was Radhika Pandey?

Radhika Pandey economist wasn’t just an academic—she was a bridge between economic theory and public policy. A senior fellow at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP), she worked tirelessly to ensure her research directly impacted India’s policy framework.

Her weekly video series MacroSutra, published on ThePrint, made macroeconomics accessible to every Indian. She simplified complex issues—like inflation, GDP, fiscal policy—without ever diluting the facts.

🎓Radhika Pandey’s Education & Career Milestones

• Born: December 18, 1978

• Education: Economics degree from Banaras Hindu University, M.A. & Ph.D. from Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur

• Taught at: National Law University, Jodhpur

• Joined NIPFP: 2008, became a senior economist

From working with Ministry of Finance task forces to contributing to landmark reforms like the Public Debt Management Agency (PDMA) and Foreign Investment regulations, Radhika Pandey economist was a key player in India’s financial evolution.

🔍 Focus Areas of Her Research

Her work focused on:

I• nflation targeting frameworks

• Bond market development

• Monetary policy design

• Public debt management

• Carbon tax implications (CBAM)

Her papers didn’t just sit in libraries—they influenced RBI strategies, fiscal reforms, and investment laws.

🧩 The Policy Maker’s Economist

She was actively involved in:

• Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC)

• Task Forces on Public Finance

• RBI’s monetary frameworks

According to fellow economist Ila Patnaik, “Radhika’s work helped shape India’s inflation targeting policy.”

💬 Tributes Pour In

ThePrint’s founder Shekhar Gupta said:

“We at ThePrint are deeply saddened… Radhika’s contributions through MacroSutra were unmatched.”

Sudipto Mundle, in Business Standard, wrote:

“Radhika was my go-to person for monetary policy analysis. She had a rare combination of brilliance, warmth, and humility.”

Even in her final days, she filmed MacroSutra from her hospital bed—a testament to her unmatched commitment.

👪 A Personal Loss, Beyond Profession

She balanced her policy career with her role as a devoted wife and mother. She cared for her ailing mother and raised her son with love and strength. She leaves behind her husband Sanjay and their son Kanishk.

🌹 Final Goodbye to Radhika Pandey

India has lost not just an expert economist, but a quiet revolutionary. Radhika Pandey’s insights will continue to guide young researchers, economists, and policymakers.

Her voice will echo in India’s financial reforms for decades to come.

🕯️ May her soul rest in peace.
🕊️ May her legacy inspire generations.