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Bhabatosh DattaIndian economist, scholar and writer.
Date of Birth: 21.02.1911
Country:  India |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Bhabatosh Datta, an Indian economist, academic, and writer, was born in Patna, Bihar, to Hemendra Kishore Datta and Jogmaya Datta. His father was a chemistry professor at Bihar National College in Patna. Bhabatosh received his education in various places, including Daulatpur, Khulna, Mymensingh, and Dhaka. While studying in Dhaka, he edited the school magazine along with fellow student Buddhadeb Ghosh, who later became a noted poet.
Bhabatosh Datta pursued his education at Jagannath College Dhaka and Presidency College, Kolkata, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in economics with honors. He taught at Chittagong College and Burdwan Raj College before joining Ripon College, Kolkata (now known as Surendranath College). He later joined Islamia College (now known as Maulana Azad College).
Career as an Economist
In 1948, Bhabatosh Datta traveled to England to submit his dissertation to the London School of Economics, which he had completed in just two years. His dissertation was published in 1952, and he returned to India the same year. He joined Presidency College as a professor of economics, which had become Presidency University by then. A year later, he joined the International Monetary Fund's South Asia Department.
In 1956, Bhabatosh Datta returned to India and worked at Presidency College until his retirement in 1962, having served as the college's Dean. After retiring, he continued as an Emeritus Professor and joined the state government in the Ministry of Education. He served as the Director of Public Instruction and later as the Minister of Education in the West Bengal government.
Contributions and Recognition
Bhabatosh Datta was actively involved in the Fourth Finance Commission of India from its inception in 1964 until his passing. He was also a member of the Executive Committee of the Paschimbanga Bangla Akademi. In 1990, he was honored with the 'Padma Vibhushan,' the second highest civilian award in India.
Personal Life and Legacy
Bhabatosh Datta married Amala Basu in 1939. They remained together until her passing in 1989. Bhabatosh Datta survived his wife by eight years, passing away on January 11th, 1997, at the age of 85. His contributions to the fields of economics, education, and public service have left an enduring legacy on India.
