The real Montek

Given his role in policy-making for about three decades, it is not unusual to have Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Planning Commission deputy chairman, described as anything from a leading economist to a key policy advisor, and more. When Lord Meghnad Desai described him along similar lines at a function in the capital, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh whispered something to him. Desai heard him out and said, “My friend wants to call Montek a practical man. But that would be an insult to an intellectual economist. I agree Montek has been practical but I am ready to forgive him for that.” Ahluwalia went up to the podium when it was his turn to speak, and responded by saying, “Most of all, with my age catching up, I am a defunct economist!”