Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Biography of Amartya Sen
Amartya Sen, born on November 3, 1933, is an acclaimed Indian economist, philosopher, and Nobel laureate known for his significant contributions to welfare economics and social choice theory. He has had a profound impact on the understanding of poverty, social justice, and human development. Here is an overview of his life and achievements:
Early Life and Education:
Amartya Sen was born in Santiniketan, Bengal Presidency (now in West Bengal, India). He was deeply influenced by the intellectual and cultural environment of Santiniketan, where he grew up. He studied at Presidency College in Kolkata and later pursued his postgraduate studies at Trinity College, Cambridge, and Harvard University.
Academic Career of Amartya Sen:
Sen's academic career has been illustrious. He has taught at several prestigious institutions, including Jadavpur University, the London School of Economics, and Harvard University. He has held numerous honorary positions, contributing to the academic and intellectual discourse on economics, ethics, and social issues.
Contributions to Economics:
Sen is known for his pioneering work on welfare economics and social choice theory. He developed the concept of "capability approach," which focuses on people's ability to lead lives they have reason to value. His research has challenged traditional economic theories and emphasized the importance of considering social and ethical factors in economic analyses.
Amartya Sen Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences:
In 1998, Amartya Sen was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for his contributions to welfare economics. He was recognized for his work on poverty, famine, and social welfare, highlighting the importance of individual freedoms and capabilities in the assessment of economic well-being.
Amartya Sen Human and Development Index (HDI):
Sen's ideas significantly influenced the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). He played a key role in the development of the Human Development Index, which assesses a country's development based on factors like life expectancy, education, and per capita income.
Later Life and Advocacy of Amartya Sen:
In addition to his academic pursuits, Sen has been an advocate for social justice, human rights, and global development. He has written extensively on issues related to inequality, famine, gender inequality, and political freedoms.
Amartya Sen's work continues to inspire scholars, policymakers, and activists worldwide, shaping discussions on economic and social policies that prioritize human well-being and social justice. His multidisciplinary approach to economics has broadened the scope of the field, emphasizing the importance of individual freedoms and capabilities in the pursuit of a just society.
Awards and Honors to Amartya Sen:
Apart from the Nobel Prize, Sen has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1999.
Nalanda Project
Nalanda which was an ancient center of higher education from the 5th century to the year 1197. It was re-launched and on July 19, 2012, Sen was nominated as the first Chancellor of the proposed Nalanda University (NU). The teaching work started in August 2014 in this university. On February 20, 2015, Amartya Sen withdrew his candidature for the second term.