Dr. Manmohan Singh was born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, a village in the Punjab province of British India (now in Pakistan). After the partition, his family migrated to India. A brilliant student, Singh earned his degrees in Economics from Punjab University, followed by a Master’s degree from Cambridge University, and a doctorate from Oxford University.
A Distinguished Economist
Before entering politics, Dr. Singh served in various prestigious roles, including Chief Economic Advisor (1972–1976), Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (1982–1985), and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission (1985–1987). His reputation as a world-class economist was further cemented when he worked at international organizations like the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the World Bank.
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The Architect of India’s Economic Reforms
Dr. Singh’s most notable contribution to India came in 1991, when he was appointed as the Finance Minister in the government of Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. At the time, India was facing a severe economic crisis. Singh spearheaded landmark economic reforms, including liberalizing the economy, devaluing the rupee, and opening up India to foreign investment. These reforms transformed India into one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
Prime Ministerial Tenure (2004–2014)
Dr. Singh became India’s 14th Prime Minister in 2004, leading the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. He served two consecutive terms, making him the first Sikh Prime Minister of India.
Key Achievements During His Tenure:
- Economic Growth: India witnessed unprecedented economic growth, becoming one of the world’s largest economies.
- Social Welfare Programs: Introduced transformative policies like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Right to Education Act, and the Food Security Act.
- Nuclear Deal with the US: Played a key role in signing the Indo-US Nuclear Agreement, which marked a significant milestone in India’s international diplomacy.
- Infrastructure Development: Launched programs to improve rural and urban infrastructure, including roads, power, and telecommunications.
Despite these achievements, his government faced criticism for corruption scandals during its second term, including the 2G spectrum case and the Coal scam, which tarnished its image.
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Personal Life and Leadership Style
Known for his humility, integrity, and calm demeanor, Dr. Singh was often described as a “gentleman politician.” He was married to Gursharan Kaur, and the couple had three daughters.
Final Years and Health Issues
In recent years, Dr. Singh’s health had been a concern. He had undergone multiple medical treatments, including heart surgeries. Despite his health challenges, he remained an influential figure in Indian politics.
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Tributes After His Passing
On Thursday, December 26, 2024, Dr. Manmohan Singh passed away at Delhi’s AIIMS hospital at the age of 92. According to a hospital statement, he had been undergoing treatment for age-related health conditions and suffered a sudden loss of consciousness at home. He was declared dead at 9:51 pm.
Leaders across party lines expressed their condolences:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered him as one of India’s “most distinguished leaders.”
- Congress MP Rahul Gandhi mourned the loss of a “mentor and guide.”
- Tributes poured in from various political leaders and citizens, honoring his contributions to India’s development.
Legacy
Dr. Manmohan Singh will be remembered as an exceptional economist, a transformative leader, and a symbol of integrity in Indian politics. His economic reforms laid the foundation for modern India, and his tenure as Prime Minister saw the country achieve significant milestones.
India has lost not just a leader but a visionary who dedicated his life to the nation’s progress.