Remembering Economist Acharya: A Tribute to a Guiding Figure in Nepal's Economy
This morning, I heard unexpected and sad news dash; the respected Keshav Acharya Dai is no longer with us. As soon as I heard this news, his dignified face, cheerful demeanor, and those old days at the central bank flashed before my eyes. My relationship with him was not just that of a colleague; he was my senior, my mentor, and a guardian figure.
He remained highly active in the economic sector even at the age of 72. I met him just two weeks ago at an organizational meeting. He was capable of debating the direction and condition of our economy for much longer, but today I am heartbroken to hear the news of his sudden demise.
That Sweet Journey from the Central Bank
I have known Keshav Dai since 2046 BS (1989/90 AD). When I joined Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) as a new officer in 2046 BS, he was already a senior officer of the Second Class there. He worked in the Research Department. Even then, he was known in his circle and among his peers as a very intellectual and influential person. He retired from the central bank after becoming an Executive Director.
The seriousness and studiousness I observed in him the first time I saw him greatly impressed me. Among the experts in economics within the NRB, his name was mentioned first at that time. His writings, the arguments he presented, and his clear perspective on economic issues always inspired juniors like us to learn something new.
Although I did not get the opportunity to work directly with him in the same department, we were always together in various committees and forums representing the NRB. Whether he was a department head or held another position, his working style was always commendable.
Expert in Monetary and Economic Sectors
I always knew Keshav Dai as a skilled economist and an expert in the monetary sector. His command over the monetary sector, in particular, was amazing. Discussing price stability, foreign exchange reserves, external sector balance, interest rates, and domestic economic stability with him was like attending a university class.
He played a significant role in directing the entire country's economy, not just the NRB. He served as an Economic Advisor in the Ministry of Finance when Ram Sharan Mahat and Yuba Raj Khatiwada were Finance Ministers. He went once on deputation and another time as an advisor after retirement. The intellectual contribution of Keshav Dai formed the foundation for many popular and effective economic programs introduced by the government at that time.
He not only played a role in modernizing the NRB but his expertise was always useful in reforming the financial sector and organizing the payment system.
A Guardian and Friend, Not a Boss
The most beautiful aspect of Keshav Dai's personality was his modesty and simple living. He never became a 'boss'. He always believed in teamwork. He always listened to the views of juniors and encouraged them. Even while serving as the head of an office, he never made anyone feel pressured.
We could openly express our views to him. If there was any ambiguity on a subject, we never hesitated to ask him. He would explain even the most complex subjects in a very simple manner. Because of that warmth and friendship, we never considered him a distant, great person.
Jovial and Teasing Nature
As much as he appeared to be a serious economist from the outside, he was equally jovial and cheerful on the inside. In formal meetings, he spoke very strictly and argumentatively, but when it was time for lunch break or tea, his jokes and humor would change the entire atmosphere. He was very adept at telling jokes and making his friends laugh. He possessed the art of managing office stress and lightening the mood.
His 'sense of humor' allowed him to mingle easily with anyone. He had no ego or arrogance.
That Last Meeting...
Just the other day, we were together at a program for the Rural Development Bank. I was delighted by his activity and energy. Even at the age of 72, his memory and grasp of the subject matter were intact. He was still planning to undertake some new work.
But today, the news of his passing has left me speechless. Nepal has lost a true economist and an intellectual personality today. We have lost a guardian. When the history of the Nepal Rastra Bank is written, the name of Keshav Acharya Dai will always feature prominently.
(The author Narayan Paudel is a former Executive Director of Nepal Rastra Bank)
This specific news has been automatically translated by AI. As a result, there may be some inaccuracies or language errors.
