Sukhadeo Thorat (born 12 July 1949[2]) an Indian economist, educationist, professor and writer.

He is professor emeritus in Centre for the Study of Regional Development, Jawaharlal Nehru University.

He was director, Indian Institute of Dalit Studies, New Delhi from January 2003 to February 2006.

[5] In 1956, due to the influence of mass conversion of Babasaheb Ambedkar, Thorat's family converted to Buddhism.

He has worked on more than 25 research projects and has presented papers at national and international seminars and conferences.