He was a brilliant teacher and all the students ended-up opting for the course he was teaching on economic theory.At that time, Amartya Sen was developing his ideas on `choice of techniques'. He was also venturing into the theory of planning, addressing questions such as how individual decision making in a developing economy like India can result in a savings rate which is lower than that socially required.

From these subjects, Amartya Sen moved on to the field of welfare economics, and later, he developed his theory of collectivechoice and public action.His latest ideas, on the need for greater public action in areas such as poverty, hunger, and education, have gained a lot of worldwide recognition.Amartya Sen was instrumental in developing the human development index (HDI) for measuring welfare amongst countries. His path-breaking human development report prepared along with Mahbul-ul-Haq for the UNDP was an important land-mark.

Amartya Sen has been visiting India every year. His lectures on the economic reform process in India have drawn a lot of attention.

Basically, his theory centres around the fact that state action is absolutely vital and necessary for removing poverty, increasing education, in developing economies where the market cannot take care of these issues.In other words, he is saying that rejection of state intervention in these areas of welfare is absolutely uncalled for.

While economic growth is good for a country like India, it cannot take care of the poor and the uneducated unless the state intervenes. Thestate should pay attention to worker education, health of its citizens etc.

Amartya Sen has brought a crusading zeal to his economic theories. He has repeatedly called for a removal of hunger and poverty in a country like India through state intervention and collective action of the society.

Besides economics, other issues were close to his heart. He was disturbed by the growing communalisation of India, besides strongly advocating and defending democracy in India.

So he has come close to acquiring a moral standing in India. His frequent lectures in India are remarkably well-attended. Now, I cannot say how much of his theory has been implemented in the country especially his views on poverty, eduction and welfare.

The author is Professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru University