Radhika Pandey was an economist, writer, policy researcher and much more. She was one of the most renowned columnists at ThePrint. Unfortunately, she passed away on June 28, 2025, after undergoing an emergent liver transplant surgery at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) in New Delhi. She was a free spirit, with an intellect that exceeded her years.
Radhika Pandey’s contributions to the field of macroeconomics will forever be remembered, and her flawless pieces remain a valuable source of knowledge for many. Her journey has truly been an inspiration to those who dream of growing in the field. While she was taken away too soon, her aura remains alive in the knowledge she shared with those she met.
Radhika Pandey’s education and early career
Radhika Pandey began her career as a professor at the National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur. During her tenure, she taught finance, law, and regulation to post-graduate students. She was an extremely knowledgeable person, which equally reflects in the universities where she pursued her education. Radhika completed her MA and PhD in economics from Jai Narain Vyas University, as well as her B.A. in Economics from Banaras Hindu University. The 46-year-old has made an immense contribution to economics with her columns in ThePrint as well. Her weekly articles and videos, titled MacroSutra, became one of the most beloved pieces of literature, in which she discussed topical financial and macroeconomic matters.
Radhika Pandey was an associate professor at NIPFP
Radhika Pandey was an associate professor at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP). She was a macroeconomist with over 20 years of experience in public policy and teaching. She had previously held the position of lecturer at the National Law University (NLU) in Jodhpur. Well-known among her circle, she was often lauded by her peers and superiors. So much so that the chief economist at the Aditya Birla Group and former NIPFP professor, Ila Patnaik, referred to her demise as a personal loss. Radhika and Ila had known each other for a long time. They worked together at NIPFP and also contributed to several policy research teams for central government ministries. She stated:
“There are so many policies of the Indian government where you can see Radhika’s influence and research. It is a tremendous loss for the community, and for me personally. She was one of those rare academics who had experience in both law and finance, and her contribution in policy making was huge. She didn’t focus on just publishing papers but on the real research that goes behind actual policy making. More than anything, she was one of the most dedicated people I had seen. Right from 2008 when she joined, we have been working together and we never really stopped”
Radhika Pandey’s contribution to the Ministry of Finance
Radhika Pandey has worked as a columnist for ThePrint since 2021. However, that was not all; she made an immense contribution to the Ministry of Finance’s Task Force for the Public Debt Management Agency. Her expertise is evident in the papers and publications she has published over the years. She shared detailed notes on topics ranging from bond markets to public finance, the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) tax, and even business cycles.
Radhika Pandey’s work with Justice B.N. Srikrishna
Radhika Pandey worked with Ila Patnaik in a research team led by Justice B.N. Srikrishna for the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission in 2011. Radhika’s interest extended beyond financial regulation in the country, and she soon became a part of the research team led by former civil servant U.K. Sinha for the ‘Working Group on Foreign Investment’.
Radhika Pandey passed away at the age of 46 due to acute liver failure
Radhika Pandey was admitted to the ILBS Hospital in June 2025 due to acute liver failure. Her condition deteriorated quickly after she was diagnosed with jaundice. An emergent transplant surgery was also performed. However, she did not survive. According to Ila Patanaik, her last Macrosutra video for ThePrint was shot while she was at the hospital, after she persistently insisted. She is survived by her husband, Sanjay and their son, Kanishk.
Radhika Pandey’s passing is a significant loss, not just for her family but also for the fields of economics and finance. What are your thoughts on her? Let us know.
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