M. Veerappa Moily

Dr M. Veerappa Moily is a distinguished statesman, eminent economist and celebrated litterateur whose multifaceted career spans governance, public policy and creative writing. A former chief minister of Karnataka and Union minister holding key portfolios including Petroleum & Natural Gas, Law & Justice, and Corporate Affairs, he has been a pioneering force in shaping India’s economic and administrative reforms. As Chairman of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission, he authored landmark reports that continue to guide governance and public financial management in India. 

Alongside his political and administrative achievements, Dr Moily is a prolific writer in Kannada and English. His literary oeuvre includes acclaimed epic poems such as Sri Ramayana Mahanveshanam—which earned him the prestigious Saraswati Samman—as well as Sirimudi Parikramanam and Sreebahubali Ahimsadigvijayam, the latter winning the Sahitya Akademi Award. He has also authored novels, essays and influential works on economics and governance, including the Unleashing India series. His writings reflect a deep engagement with culture, philosophy and social justice. 

A visionary reformer, Dr Moily played a key role in advancing Karnataka’s industrial and technological landscape, including the development of Electronic City and major infrastructure initiatives. He has been instrumental in introducing transformative policies in taxation, education and public administration, many of which have been adopted nationally. A regular columnist and a public intellectual, he continues to contribute to national discourse through his writings and legal practice at the Supreme Court of India.