C.T. Kurien, a distinguished economist, has passed away

C.T. Kurien, a distinguished economist and former professor at Madras Christian College, passed away at the age of 93 due to age-related ailments on July 23, 2024, at 11 PM.

Kurien, known for his focus on poverty and its eradication, dedicated his academic career to understanding economic issues affecting underdeveloped regions, particularly India.

He completed his Master's degree in Economics at Madras Christian College in 1953 and earned his Ph.D. from Stanford University in 1963, focusing on the factor market structure and technological characteristics of underdeveloped countries.

Throughout his career, Kurien held several notable academic positions, including serving as a professor at Madras Christian College from 1962 to 1978 and at the Madras Institute of Development Studies from 1978 to 1991, where he was also the Director from 1978 to 1988.

He was a Visiting Fellow at Yale University and held fellowships at the University Grants Commission and the Indian Council of Social Science Research.

He authored 15 books, with "Poverty, Planning and Social Transformation" (1978) and "Growth and Justice" (1992) among his significant works, which challenged mainstream economic theories and advocated for addressing poverty directly rather than relying on economic growth alone.

Kurien's work was widely respected, and he was celebrated for his contributions to economics and social policy. He served as the president of the Indian Economic Association in 2000 and was praised by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and N. Ram, Director of The Hindu Publishing Group, for his commitment to public intellectualism and advocacy for policies benefiting the majority. His writings, including "What is Growth?" and "Wealth and Illfare," continue to influence discussions on economic inequality and social justice.

Scource: The Hindu