Few individuals leave a legacy that transcends borders, disciplines, and decades. Prajapati Trivedi is one such towering figure — an Indian economist whose vision and leadership have shaped public policy, governance, and institutional excellence on a global scale. Born in August 1953, his life is a testament to the belief that intellectual brilliance, when combined with purpose-driven action, can change the course of nations.
Prajapati Trivedi: Early Academic Brilliance – A Scholar with a Global Vision
From the very beginning, Prajapati Trivedi demonstrated an exceptional commitment to learning. After completing his M.Sc. in Economics from the prestigious London School of Economics in 1972, he pursued his Ph.D. in Economics from Boston University in 1985. These formative years were not merely about academic accolades — they were about building the intellectual foundation that would guide his lifelong mission of reforming governance and improving the effectiveness of public institutions.
Shaping Policy in India and Beyond
Trivedi’s illustrious career has spanned both national and international arenas. His journey began as an Economic Adviser to the Government of India from 1992 to 1994, where he played a pivotal role in shaping economic policy during a transformative period for the country. His deep understanding of economic principles, coupled with practical insights, positioned him as a trusted voice in policy-making.
From 1994 to 2009, he served as a Senior Economist at the World Bank in Washington, DC, working on projects in over 50 countries. His work extended beyond economics — it was about creating frameworks for effective governance, ensuring that development strategies translated into real-world results.
Prajapati Trivedi: Revolutionizing Performance Management in Government
In January 2009, Prajapati Trivedi was appointed as the first Secretary of Performance Management in the Government of India, based in the Cabinet Secretariat. His mandate was ambitious — to review and report on the performance of all government departments directly to the Cabinet Secretary and the Prime Minister. His performance monitoring frameworks introduced a culture of accountability and measurable results in public administration, an approach that was both innovative and impactful.
During this period, he also served as Chairman of the National Authority for the Chemical Weapons Convention, representing India on an important global stage.
Global Leadership in Governance and Sustainable Development
Beyond India, Trivedi’s leadership found global resonance. He served as the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for SDG Implementation, a role in which he worked with member countries to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He also held the position of Senior Director at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, where his expertise helped nations improve governance systems for better societal outcomes.
His affiliation with the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where he has taught for over 40 years as visiting faculty, reflects his deep commitment to shaping future leaders. In addition, he is a Visiting International Fellow at the IBM Center for the Business of Government in Washington, DC.
Awards, Recognition, and Global Honors
Prajapati Trivedi’s contributions have earned him global recognition. He became the first Indian to receive the International Public Administration Award from the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), honoring his significant impact as both a scholar and practitioner. He also holds the distinction of being the first Indian elected as a lifetime Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) in Washington, DC.
In 2019, he was honored with the Harry Hatry Distinguished Performance Management Practice Award in Washington, DC — a recognition reserved for those who have transformed the practice of public administration through teaching, training, and consultancy.
Also Read : Rupesh Agrawal: Leading Breakthroughs in Ophthalmology