New Delhi

Newly appointed full-time member of NITI Aayog, Gobardhan Das, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, with Modi praising the scientist’s life journey and public service contributions.

On April 24, the government reconstituted NITI Aayog, appointing former chief economic adviser Ashok Kumar Lahiri as vice chairman along with five full-time members, including Das.

In a post on X, Modi said Das’s personal life story was inspiring and that every struggle he faced only strengthened his commitment to serve society and free it from suffering. He added that this dedication was reflected in Das’s work in public health and immunology, and said his scholarship would enrich India’s policy-making framework.

Das responded by saying he would work with honesty, dedication and full responsibility to help realise the prime minister’s vision of a developed India.

He also said it was only under Modi’s leadership that the son of a backward and exploited farmer could receive such an honour.

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Calling it a proud moment for every citizen of West Bengal, Das said he was grateful for the opportunity to serve as a member of NITI Aayog.