Former PM Manmohan Singh, Man Who changed India, Passed Away at 92!

Dr. Manmohan Singh: A Statesman Who Shaped Modern India

India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92 at AIIMS, New Delhi, after a prolonged illness. A scholar, economist, and politician par excellence, Dr. Singh left an indelible mark on India’s economic and political landscape. His demise has drawn heartfelt tributes from across the nation, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who remembered him as a leader of great integrity and wisdom.

Early Life and Education

Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, a village in the Punjab province of British India (now in Pakistan), Dr. Manmohan Singh’s journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of Indian politics is an inspiring tale. A brilliant student, he earned his undergraduate degree in Economics from Punjab University, followed by a master’s degree from the same institution. He later pursued higher studies at the University of Cambridge and obtained a doctorate in Economics from the University of Oxford. His academic brilliance and expertise in economic policy earned him global recognition and paved the way for his future roles.

Architect of India’s Economic Liberalization

Dr. Singh’s most transformative contribution to India was as the Finance Minister under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao from 1991 to 1996. At a time when India faced a severe economic crisis, Dr. Singh, with the unwavering support of PM Rao, ushered in an era of economic liberalization. He dismantled the License Raj, opened India’s economy to global markets, and introduced reforms that spurred unprecedented economic growth. His vision laid the foundation for India’s emergence as a global economic power, a legacy that continues to shape the nation.

Tenure as Prime Minister: 2004-2014

Dr. Singh served as India’s 13th Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, leading two consecutive UPA governments. Notably, he was the only non-Gandhian Congress Prime Minister to complete not just one but two full terms in office. His tenure was marked by significant policy achievements, including the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)—a program often credited by Congress to Sonia Gandhi despite Dr. Singh’s pivotal role. Another major accomplishment of his tenure was the introduction of the Right to Information Act, a landmark reform that ensured greater transparency in governance but one for which he never openly claimed credit. Known for his calm demeanor and scholarly approach, Dr. Singh steered the country through the 2008 global financial crisis, ensuring that India remained on a stable economic trajectory.

Dr. Singh was also the only Prime Minister of India who had served as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, holding the position from 1982 to 1985. His tenure as RBI Governor further highlighted his deep understanding of India’s financial systems and his commitment to strengthening them.

While his leadership was celebrated, controversies around his tenure also emerged. His administration faced allegations of corruption, with the most infamous being the alleged 2G spectrum scam, which was unearthed by a CAG report. His former media advisor, Sanjaya Baru, chronicled some of these challenges in the book The Accidental Prime Minister, offering insights into the political complexities of his time in office. Additionally, there were reports of parallel power centers during his tenure, with Sonia Gandhi heading the National Advisory Council. While Dr. Singh reportedly felt uneasy about this arrangement, he never openly opposed it, showcasing his characteristic restraint.

Notable Quotes

Dr. Singh was known for his humility and introspection. Upon retiring from the Prime Minister’s office in 2014, following the BJP’s victory, he remarked, “History will be kinder to me.” This statement reflected his steadfast belief in the long-term impact of his policies and decisions. However, his tenure was also marked by controversy, including his statement that “minorities, particularly Muslims, have the first right to resources of India,” which sparked debates across the political spectrum.

Tributes Pour In

Leaders from across the political spectrum have expressed their grief at Dr. Singh’s demise. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he became a respected economist and served in various government positions, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years. His interventions in Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives.” Modi also highlighted Dr. Singh’s unique distinction as the only Prime Minister who had also served as the RBI Governor.

Reports indicate that Prime Minister Modi is expected to visit AIIMS to pay his respects. Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted his “exceptional contributions to economic reforms,” while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh remembered him as a “gentleman politician whose wisdom enriched the nation.” Messages of condolence have also poured in from international leaders, reflecting Dr. Singh’s global stature.

A Legacy of Excellence

Dr. Manmohan Singh’s life was a testament to the power of education, perseverance, and service to the nation. As a policymaker, economist, and Prime Minister, he dedicated his life to building a prosperous and inclusive India. While he himself was a leader of unimpeachable integrity, some members of his cabinet were embroiled in controversies that tainted the legacy of his government. His tenure thus remains a complex chapter in Indian history, balancing monumental achievements with significant challenges.

As the nation bids farewell to this towering figure, his legacy remains etched in the annals of Indian history. Rest in peace, Dr. Manmohan Singh—a true statesman, visionary, and servant of the people.

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