Story Highlight
– Cremation of Professor Meghnad Desai held in India.
– Distinguished economist and mentor at the LSE.
– Impacted UK-India relations and post-colonial economic thinking.
– Known for political candor and independent scholarship.
– Respected across political and academic divides.
Full Story
The cremation of Professor Meghnad Desai was held on Thursday, marking the conclusion of a remarkable life dedicated to intellectual pursuits, education, and substantial public service. A significant figure in the fields of politics and economics, Lord Desai passed away in India, his native land, yet his influence was most profoundly felt in the UK, where he resided for the past six decades.
Professor Desai began his career in the UK at the London School of Economics (LSE), where he served as a lecturer and ultimately became one of the nation’s most respected economists. His contributions to economic thought, particularly in shaping perspectives in post-colonial countries, were noteworthy. In 1992, he established the LSE’s Centre for the Study of Global Governance, eventually becoming professor emeritus in 2003, while remaining actively involved in university life until his passing.
As a formerly colonial subject who rose to become a member of the British House of Lords, Desai had firsthand insights into the shifting political and economic landscapes of the Commonwealth. His diverse experiences informed his distinctive analytical style, leading to the publication of influential works such as “Marx’s Revenge” in 2002. His elevation to the House of Lords in 1991 made him the first Labour peer of Indian descent, an achievement that resonated with many of his peers.
Despite his nobility, Desai was primarily an educator at heart, guiding many through the complexities of politics with the warmth and curiosity reminiscent of an esteemed teacher. His efforts significantly enriched UK-India relations, marked by initiatives like his role in establishing and chairing the Gandhi Statue Memorial Trust, reforming the India All-Party Parliamentary Group, and fostering academic partnerships between the two nations.
Lord Desai’s quiet guidance left a lasting impact on countless scholars, policymakers, and writers. As his aide, I was fortunate to hear his insights and reflections. In a time when many British Indians found success within the Conservative Party, he was a steadfast reminder of the Labour movement’s rich heritage and the importance of staying true to its roots. Although he departed the Labour Party in 2020 due to concerns over its handling of antisemitism, he continued to support its evolution under Sir Keir Starmer. He embraced the role of an independent and later crossbench peer, grounded in traditional liberal-left values that prioritised globalisation and economic progress over identity politics.
Reflecting on his relationship with the late Labour leader John Smith, Desai sometimes playfully speculated on how his political path might have differed had Smith not passed away in 1994, quipping that he might have become the first Indian-origin Chancellor of the Exchequer before Rishi Sunak. True to his scholarly nature, he consistently prioritised truth-seeking over political ambition, which occasionally led to tensions with figures like Gordon Brown and Alistair Campbell. It was his unmistakable warmth and candour that drew a diverse array of individuals to him, even in the often-unforgiving atmosphere of Westminster.
Desai’s scholarly pursuits continued until the end; he was deeply engaged in researching Britain’s radical political history, particularly anti-imperialist movements, spending countless hours in the British Library examining organisations like the India League. He had intentions to co-write a book on the subject, although health challenges eventually curtailed those plans. Furthermore, he played a pivotal role in revitalising the India League through the establishment of the 1928 Institute, a British-Indian think tank where he served as an advisor.
Notably independent and intellectually vigorous throughout his life, Lord Desai maintained a routine that included reading newspapers before taking a stroll across Lambeth Bridge, favouring the fresh Thames air over taxis on his way to the House of Lords. In our last encounter, he humorously suggested swapping his walk for a ride on my motorbike.
Desai was a unique individual respected across various political, cultural, and academic spheres. His astute critiques of political economy, combined with a deep appreciation for classic Bollywood, ensured that conversations over his cherished South Indian dishes will be sorely missed. His legacy will remain a blessing to all those fortunate enough to have learned from him, walked alongside him, or called him a friend.
