JaYa BhaaRaTa
In a poignant and profound reflection on his life just days before his passing, Dr. Bibek Debroy, a renowned 
economist, legal expert, and spiritual scholar, left behind more than a legacy of public service and intellectual achievement. His self-penned obituary not only offers an insight into his thoughts on mortality but also provides a valuable perspective on the deeper aspects of legacy and estate planning. His words, enriched by a lifetime of academic pursuit and intellectual depth, provide critical takeaways for those considering how to plan for the future—both materially and emotionally.
Dr. Debroy’s legacy was multifaceted. His contributions spanned economics, railway reforms, literature, Sanskrit translations, and policy-making. Yet, as his self-reflection illustrates, the ultimate legacy transcends achievements and accolades. Here, we distill the key lessons from his reflections on legacy, estate, and the value of one’s work in the world.
1. Legacy is Built on Relationships, Not Just Accomplishments
Dr. Debroy was keenly aware that while his achievements were important, true legacy lies in the lives one touches. 
Reflecting on his own life, he wrote, “Had a role in the rat race, was temporarily read and passed into oblivion, buried in journal archives.” Despite his significant contributions to Indian public policy, including reforms to the railways and extensive work on the Indian economy, he acknowledged the transient nature of professional recognition.
For estate planners, this underscores an essential truth: legacy is not just about financial assets or career achievements but about the people you leave behind and how you care for them. Estate planning should emphasize the importance of family relationships, ensure financial security for loved ones, and reflect personal values—especially when considering trusts, inheritances, and end-of-life instructions.
2. Digital Legacy and Its Role in the Future
In today’s digital world, Dr. Debroy’s reflections on nostalgia and digital memories are particularly relevant. He noted, “Where is that old black and white photograph of my parents? Haven’t seen it for a while. Once in a while, they will look at those digital imprints. Some remembrance, some childhood memories, some nostalgia.” This speaks to the growing significance of digital legacies—the preservation of photographs, emails, social media accounts, and digital archives.
As part of estate planning, individuals must consider how their digital assets will be handled after their death. Creating a plan for how photos, documents, social media profiles, and online bank accounts are managed ensures that personal memories and important data are passed down to future generations in a meaningful way.
3. Family Dynamics and the Realities of Distance
One poignant reflection that Dr. Debroy shared was the impact of distance on familial relationships. He mused, 
“Will I hop onto a plane? For what? You know precious little about India.” With his sons living abroad, he acknowledged that, despite deep familial ties, geographic distance and cultural differences could create emotional and logistical challenges. His reflections on this idea, particularly the way that distant family members might only return for a funeral, highlight the importance of planning for family relationships across borders.
For estate planners, this reinforces the need to consider the complexities of international families when creating wills or setting up trusts. Provisions might need to be made for family members who live abroad, ensuring that assets and final wishes can be communicated clearly and executed without unnecessary complications.
4. Holistic Legacy: Beyond Financial Assets
In addition to his work in economics and public policy, Dr. Debroy’s passion for Indian literature, mythology, and spirituality was central to his life. His translations of the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Puranas, as well as his 
scholarly exploration of ancient texts, marked him as one of India’s foremost intellectuals. As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman observed, he was revered for making these ancient texts accessible to a new generation of readers. In his obituary, Debroy pondered the continuation of his literary projects, such as his unfinished work on the Purana Project, expressing hope that others would carry it forward.
This highlights an important lesson: legacy isn’t just financial—it’s intellectual, cultural, and spiritual. For those planning their estates, including provisions for the continuation of intellectual pursuits, charitable initiatives, or cultural projects can ensure that a personal passion or cultural commitment lives on. Whether through the creation of a foundation, support for academic initiatives, or simply passing on collections of books or personal writings, consider how your passions can leave an enduring imprint on future generations.
5. Personal Preparation for the Emotional Impact of Death
Dr. Debroy’s reflections on mortality also focused on the emotional impact of his passing, especially on his wife, 
Suparna. “In the event, the only personal loss will be Suparna’s. It matters nothing to anyone else,” he wrote, underscoring the deeply personal nature of loss. This acknowledgment speaks to a critical aspect of estate planning: emotional well-being.
When planning for the future, it’s important to consider not only the financial security of your loved ones but also their emotional needs. For your spouse or close family members, providing clear directives on funeral arrangements, memorial services, and any specific wishes you have regarding your final moments can alleviate significant emotional burdens. Additionally, creating a letter of guidance or message for loved ones can offer comfort and clarity during a difficult time.
6. Planning for the Continuity of Ideas and Values
While many focus on the tangible aspects of estate planning—such as property or financial assets—Dr. Debroy’s 
reflections suggest that continuity of ideas and values is perhaps the most enduring form of legacy. He questioned, “What will they mention? Trade work of 1980-s, law reform of 1990-s, State work of 2000-s, railway reforms of 2015?” His acknowledgment that much of his professional work would fade into obscurity speaks to a deeper truth: ideas, philosophies, and personal values have the power to shape future generations far more profoundly than any fleeting career achievement.
For those creating a legacy plan, consider how to embed your values into your estate. Whether through the creation of educational trusts, funding for philanthropic endeavors, or the inclusion of personal letters or manuscripts, ensure that your ideas and values continue to inspire future generations.
Conclusion
Dr. Bibek Debroy’s self-penned obituary provides invaluable lessons on legacy and estate planning. His reflections encourage us to think deeply about the emotional, intellectual, and relational aspects of our legacy. He reminds us 
that legacy isn’t just about what we leave behind in terms of property or wealth but about the lives we’ve touched, the values we’ve imparted, and the knowledge we’ve shared.
For those planning their estates, it is essential to consider not only the financial security of loved ones but also the preservation of personal and intellectual legacies. Whether through the careful management of digital assets, creating provisions for distant family members, or ensuring that personal values and passions live on, the ultimate goal of legacy planning is to ensure that your life’s work—your true essence—is carried forward.
By embracing these insights, you can craft an estate plan that not only provides for your loved ones but also reflects the richness of your intellectual, emotional, and cultural contributions to the world.
JaYa ShRee RaaMa
BhooVaanijyak Ashank
Kartik Shukla Panchami, Vikram 2081
