Dr. Manmohan Singh, the humble architect of modern India’s economic revival and a leader of unshakable integrity, passes away. His legacy of economic reforms, democratic values, and quiet determination continues to inspire a nation.
BY PC Bureau
India mourns the loss of Dr. Manmohan Singh, the nation’s 13th Prime Minister and a visionary economist, who passed away at the age of 92.
Singh, a renowned economist and statesman, was admitted to AIIMS Delhi on Thursday evening after his health deteriorated. Singh died after a prolonged illness.
Singh had not been keeping well for more than a year. He made last public appearance in January 2024 at the book launch of his daughter.
A man of profound intellect, impeccable integrity, and unwavering commitment to public service, Dr. Singh’s legacy is interwoven with the transformation of India into a global economic powerhouse and the elevation of its democratic and diplomatic stature.
Early Life and Education
Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Dr. Singh’s formative years were shaped by the trials of partition and the resilience required to overcome them. Orphaned early, he excelled academically, earning scholarships that paved the way for his education at Punjab University, Cambridge University, and Oxford University. At Cambridge, he wrote his groundbreaking thesis, India’s Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth, which became a seminal text in developmental economics.
A Stellar Bureaucratic Career
Dr. Singh’s journey in public service began as an economist at institutions such as the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and later at the Reserve Bank of India, where he served as Governor from 1982 to 1985. His deep understanding of global and domestic economic systems saw him hold pivotal positions, including Chief Economic Advisor (1972–76), Secretary of the Finance Ministry (1976–80), and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission (1985–87).
His expertise and reputation as an incorruptible technocrat led to his appointment as Economic Affairs Secretary in the 1970s and later as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, where he laid the foundation for monetary policies that ensured financial stability in tumultuous times.
1991: The Architect of India’s Economic Liberalization
Dr. Singh’s most transformative contribution to India came as the Finance Minister in 1991, during one of the worst economic crises the country had faced. Under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, he implemented bold reforms that opened India’s economy to the world, dismantling decades of protectionism and socialist policies.
Facing a balance-of-payments crisis, Dr. Singh devalued the rupee, dismantled the License Raj, and introduced policies that encouraged foreign investment and privatization. These reforms not only stabilized the economy but also set it on a trajectory of sustained growth, creating millions of jobs and lifting millions out of poverty.
His iconic budget speech in 1991, where he quoted Victor Hugo—”No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come”—remains a defining moment in India’s economic history.
As Prime Minister: A Decade of Inclusive Growth
Dr. Singh became India’s first Sikh Prime Minister in 2004, leading the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for two consecutive terms until 2014. His tenure as Prime Minister was marked by a focus on inclusive growth, social welfare, and strategic global partnerships.
Key achievements during his premiership include:
- Landmark Social Policies: Programs like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Right to Information Act, and the Right to Education Act were initiated to ensure social security and empowerment for marginalized communities.
- Economic Growth: India’s GDP grew consistently during his tenure, and the country was hailed as an emerging global economic powerhouse.
- Global Diplomacy: Dr. Singh strengthened India’s global standing through strategic partnerships, including the historic Indo-U.S. civil nuclear agreement, which ended decades of nuclear isolation and secured energy needs for future growth.
- Financial Reforms: His government oversaw the expansion of the banking sector, digital inclusion initiatives, and infrastructure development that laid the groundwork for modern India.
Challenges and Resilience
Despite his achievements, Dr. Singh’s tenure was not without challenges. His government faced criticism for corruption scandals, and his soft-spoken demeanor was often mistaken for passivity. However, his integrity and personal decency remained unquestioned, and he often responded to criticism with humility, focusing on the larger goals for the nation.
Legacy of Integrity and Humility
Dr. Singh’s legacy goes beyond his economic and political achievements. He was a beacon of ethical leadership, respected by allies and opponents alike. Known for his humility, he once famously said, “History will be kinder to me than the contemporary media,” a sentiment that holds true today as the nation reflects on his contributions.
Personal Life
Dr. Singh was a devoted husband to Gursharan Kaur and a loving father. Known for his simplicity, he maintained a low profile despite his towering achievements. His personal life was guided by his Sikh faith, a belief in hard work, and a commitment to serving others.
A Nation’s Farewell
Dr. Manmohan Singh leaves behind a legacy of economic transformation, democratic values, and statesmanship that will continue to inspire generations. His vision and dedication to India’s progress serve as a testament to the power of quiet yet impactful leadership.
India has lost a luminary whose contributions reshaped its destiny. May his soul rest in peace.
