Abhijit Banerjee is one of the most influential economists of our time, known for transforming how the world studies and tackles poverty. Born on February 21, 1961, in Mumbai, he grew up in a family of academics who valued questioning, learning, and social responsibility. These early influences shaped his interest in understanding why poverty continues to exist and how thoughtful policy can improve the lives of millions.
Banerjee studied economics at Presidency College in Kolkata, followed by Jawaharlal Nehru University, and later completed his PhD at Harvard University. Throughout his academic journey, he developed a deep belief that effective solutions must come from listening to communities and studying their everyday realities rather than relying on distant theories.
His career gained global recognition when he, along with Esther Duflo and Michael Kremer, introduced the use of randomized controlled trials in development economics. These carefully designed field experiments helped reveal which anti-poverty programs produced real change and which did not. Their work challenged long-held assumptions and encouraged governments and organizations to base policies on evidence.
Banerjee is also known for his accessible writing and ability to explain complex ideas in simple language. Books like “Poor Economics” and “Good Economics for Hard Times” highlight his clarity of thought and his commitment to finding practical solutions to inequality, migration, hunger, and unemployment. His writing encourages the world to rethink its assumptions about the poor and recognize their strength, intelligence, and resilience.
In 2019, Banerjee received the Nobel Prize in Economics alongside Esther Duflo and Michael Kremer. The award celebrated not only his academic contributions but also his dedication to making research more humane, grounded, and impactful. Through his work at the Abdul LatifJameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), he continues to guide policymakers toward decisions that genuinely improve lives.
Banerjee is admired for his intellectual honesty, curiosity, and his belief that powerful ideas can emerge from humble conversations in small villages and crowded city neighborhoods. His journey stands as a reminder that research, when driven by empathy and evidence, can become a force for justice and hope.