Dr. Manmohan Singh, India’s 14th Prime Minister and one of the nation’s most distinguished leaders, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. Known as the architect of India’s economic liberalization, Singh’s legacy is etched in the transformative policies that reshaped the nation’s economy and governance.
Born on September 26, 1932, in a small village in Punjab, undivided India, Singh’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming the country’s first Sikh Prime Minister is a story of perseverance and brilliance. After completing his education at Panjab University, he earned a master’s degree at the University of Cambridge and a doctorate at Oxford, excelling as an academic and economist before stepping into public service.
As Finance Minister in 1991, Dr. Singh rose to prominence during a time of unprecedented economic crisis. His bold reforms—abolishing the License Raj, reducing tariffs, devaluing the rupee, and encouraging foreign investment—ushered in an era of liberalization that set the foundation for India’s transformation into a global economic powerhouse. In his maiden budget speech, quoting Victor Hugo, he declared, “No power on Earth can stop an idea whose time has come.” These words defined his tenure as he revitalized India’s economy and stabilized the nation’s finances.
Singh became Prime Minister in 2004, a role he held for a decade, making him one of India’s longest-serving leaders. His tenure was marked by both landmark achievements and formidable challenges. A consensus-builder at heart, Singh was credited with steering India through periods of economic growth, averaging 8% during his first term, and securing the historic India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, which ended India’s nuclear isolation.
Domestically, Singh’s administration focused on inclusive development. Flagship initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) provided a lifeline to millions of rural households, while the Right to Education Act ensured free education for children. He expanded urban infrastructure through the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and laid the groundwork for the Goods and Services Tax (GST), a landmark economic reform introduced later.
However, his second term was overshadowed by allegations of corruption within his administration, leading to criticism of policy paralysis and contributing to the Congress Party’s defeat in 2014. Yet, Singh defended his record with characteristic humility, asserting, “We worked with utmost commitment and dedication for the country and the welfare of its people.”
Beyond economic policies, Singh pursued pragmatic foreign relations. He continued peace talks with Pakistan, reopened the Nathu La pass with China, and strengthened India’s engagement with Afghanistan. His calm demeanor, integrity, and intellectual depth earned him respect at home and abroad, even as he faced criticism for being “soft” or “indecisive.”
Dr. Singh’s impact extended beyond his premiership. In later years, he continued to contribute as a senior leader of the Congress Party, offering sharp insights on India’s economic challenges, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, and countless others paid tribute to Singh’s unparalleled contributions to India. Modi hailed him as a leader whose “wisdom and humility were always visible,” while Rahul Gandhi called him “a mentor and guide.”
Dr. Manmohan Singh will be remembered as a visionary economist, a statesman of quiet determination, and a leader whose reforms reshaped India’s destiny. His words, “History will be kinder to me than the contemporary media,” will stand as a testament to his enduring legacy.
About Author
Leave a Reply