Rest in peace, Dr Manmohan Singh | From September 26, 1932 to December 26, 2024
PTC Web Desk: Dr Manmohan Singh, who served two terms as the Prime Minister of India and a distinguished economist, passed away at the age of 92 on December 26, 2024. His death marks the end of an era in Indian politics and economics, with the nation mourning the loss of one of its most respected leaders.
Dr Manmohan Singh, who served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, was a visionary economist credited with steering India through transformative economic reforms. His leadership and wisdom left an indelible mark on the nation’s growth and development, earning him global recognition. He was a man of integrity, humility, and foresight, whose contributions have shaped the political, economic, and social landscape of modern India.
Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Dr Singh’s journey from a refugee after Partition of India to the highest political office in the country is a testament to his resilience and intellect. He earned a first-class degree in Economics from Panjab University and pursued postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge and Oxford. His academic excellence laid the foundation for his career in public service.
Dr Manmohan Singh’s pivotal role in India’s economic reforms began in 1991 when he was appointed Finance Minister under Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao. Faced with a severe balance of payments crisis, he implemented bold economic liberalisation policies that opened up the Indian economy to the world. His decisions to devalue the rupee, remove industrial licensing, and encourage foreign investments set India on a path of rapid economic growth.
His tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 saw a period of unprecedented economic growth. Dr Singh led India through a global financial crisis in 2008 with his calm and prudent decision-making. Under his leadership, India became one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. He also introduced landmark social initiatives such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Right to Education Act, which improved the lives of millions of Indians.
As Prime Minister, Dr Singh also played a crucial role in shaping India’s foreign policy. He was instrumental in the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Deal of 2008, which ended India’s nuclear isolation and strengthened its energy sector. His diplomacy in managing relations with neighbouring countries like Pakistan and China was characterised by cautious optimism and efforts toward peace, despite the complexities involved.
Dr Singh’s legacy goes beyond his economic and political achievements. He was known for his humility and dignity in a political landscape often marred by controversy and conflict. His leadership was defined by a commitment to democratic values, national unity, and secularism.
Dr Singh’s long and distinguished career, marked by his dedication to public service, was not without its challenges. His government faced scandals like the 2G spectrum scam and the coal allocation controversy, but throughout his tenure, Dr Singh’s personal integrity remained unquestioned.
In his final years, Dr Singh withdrew from active politics due to health concerns, but he remained a source of counsel and guidance for the nation. His last public appearance was in January 2024, at the launch of his daughter’s book, and he retired from the Rajya Sabha in April 2024.
Dr Manmohan Singh’s passing leaves a void in Indian politics. His life and work stand as a beacon of public service, economic foresight, and dedication to the betterment of the nation. He is survived by his family, who are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. As India bids farewell to this monumental figure, his contributions to the nation will continue to inspire future generations.
- With inputs from agencies
