Dr Manmohan Singh: How Number 26 shaped his life and career | Know interesting facts
PTC Web Desk: Dr Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India, led a life deeply intertwined with the number '26.' From his birth to his passing, and even throughout his remarkable political career, this numeric symbol played a vital role in defining key milestones of his journey.
Born on September 26, 1932, in a village of the undivided Punjab, Dr Singh's early life was marked by hardships. He lost his mother at a tender age and was raised by his grandmother. Yet, it was this very date, September 26, that marked the beginning of a life destined for greatness.
Fast forward to December 26, 2024, when Dr Singh’s long and illustrious journey came to an end. Admitted to AIIMS Delhi after his health sharply declined, the legendary leader was declared dead at the age of 92. The date of his passing, December 26, signaled the end of an era for India’s political landscape.
Dr Singh's tenure as the 13th and 14th Prime Minister of India saw numerous significant moments, with his 10-year rule concluding on another momentous May 26, 2014. His was the first administration since Jawaharlal Nehru to complete a full five-year term, and he made history as the first Sikh Prime Minister and the only one never to contest a direct popular election.
Dr Singh was a man of great academic and professional acclaim long before stepping into the political arena. For 26 years, he held influential positions, including Chairman of the University Grants Commission, Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, and Member of the Planning Commission. His work during this period helped shape the Indian economic policies that continue to impact the nation today.
In recognition of his contributions to India's progress, Dr Singh was honored with 26 prestigious awards, including the Padma Vibhushan—India’s second-highest civilian honour—on January 26, 1987.
From his academic background to becoming one of the most revered political figures in modern India, Dr. Manmohan Singh's life is a testimony to how numbers can shape one’s destiny. His journey, marked by key moments on the 26th, stands as a legacy for generations to come.
- PTC NEWS
