Meghnad Desai
| Photograph Credit score: The Hindu
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer led the tributes learn out at a memorial ceremony in honour of Meghnad Desai on the Home of Lords advanced in London, describing the late economist as a “towering mind, a compassionate scholar and a faithful public servant”.
Desai, who died final yr aged 85, was commemorated on Tuesday (February 10, 2026) by lots of his fellow friends within the Higher Home of the British Parliament, associates, lecturers and former college students from the London College of Economics (LSE), the place he was Emeritus Professor of Economics.
“The primary Labour peer of Indian origin, Lord Desai’s exceptional journey was outlined by a stressed curiosity and an unshakable dedication to advancing human understanding,” mentioned Mr. Starmer, in a message learn out by Lord Krish Raval.
“He dropped at British political life not solely mental rigour, however a heartfelt perception within the energy of reasoned debate and shared function. He was a bridge builder between the UK and India, enriching our nationwide life together with his world outlook and empathy,” he mentioned.
Lord Raval, one of many newer Labour friends within the UK Parliament, additionally mirrored upon the mentorship and help supplied by the senior parliamentarian through the years.
“The Gandhi Memorial in Parliament Sq. stands as a testomony to his unshakable willpower and formidable talent in making new issues occur,” mentioned Lord Raval.
Organised by his spouse, Woman Kishwar Desai, the memorial occasion by the banks of the river Thames was conceived as a celebration of the lifetime of Meghnad Desai.
“In true Meghnad vogue, he has really curated this occasion. He was very clear that he needed nothing unhappy, that he needed music and he needed us to recollect him in a joyous manner,” shared Baroness Valerie Amos, the parliamentary host.
“I believe everybody right here shares my sense of loss, but additionally my sense of happiness that he was there with us and can proceed to be with us via the books he wrote, the scholars he taught and the concepts he left with us,” mentioned Kishwar Desai, a fellow creator and philanthropist.
Gujarat-born Meghnad Desai, who divided his time between London, Delhi and Goa, authored definitive works as an economist and books associated to his different ardour of Hindi cinema.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had hailed his robust reference to “India and Indian tradition” and for the position he performed in “deepening India-UK ties” in his tribute when Desai handed away in Delhi in July 2025.
The parliamentary memorial in London this week adopted the launch of the Lord Desai Scholar Help Fund in reminiscence of the British Indian economist by LSE’s Division of Economics lately. The fund is designed to supply pupil help and create alternatives formed by Desai’s dedication to mental openness, world understanding and rigorous debate.
Revealed – February 11, 2026 11:28 am IST