Manmohan Singh: Why former PM always wore a blue turban? Know here
The colour, which became synonymous with him, had a deep personal significance
PTC Web Desk: Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India who passed away at 92, was often seen wearing a blue turban, a signature part of his identity. The colour, which became synonymous with him, had a deep personal significance. During a speech in 2006, when he was honoured with an honorary Doctorate of Law, Dr Singh shared the story behind his iconic blue turban. He revealed that the light blue colour was a nod to his time at the University of Cambridge, where he spent formative years.
Dr Manmohan Singh explained that blue was one of his favourite colours, symbolising fond memories of his academic journey. It was during this speech that Prince Philip, upon noticing Singh’s blue turban, commented, "Look at the colour of his turban," to which the audience responded with applause. Singh, smiling, connected the colour to his Cambridge days, recalling how his peers had affectionately nicknamed him "blue turban."
In his speech, Singh also reflected on how his teachers and fellow students at Cambridge, including renowned economists like Nicholas Kaldor, Joan Robinson, and Amartya Sen, influenced his values of open-mindedness and intellectual curiosity.
The blue turban, often worn by Singh, thus became a symbol not only of his personal preferences but also of his deep connection to his past, his academic achievements, and the values that guided his leadership throughout his life.