Manmohan Singh: The visionary economist who redefined India’s destiny and led with strength

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, 92, passed away late on Thursday (December 26, 2024), at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.

Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, a small village in Punjab (now in Pakistan), Dr. Manmohan Singh’s life is a tale of perseverance and intellect. As a young boy studying under the dim light of kerosene lamps, Singh dared to dream beyond the confines of his circumstances. His relentless pursuit of education led him to Panjab University, where he earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Economics by 1954. His academic journey took him to Cambridge University and later to Oxford, culminating in a D.Phil in Economics in 1962.

An economist with a mission
Dr. Singh’s brilliance as an economist became evident early in his career. Starting as a professor at Panjab University and Delhi School of Economics, he later served as an Economic Advisor to the Government of India in 1971. His roles grew in prominence, from Chief Economic Advisor to RBI Governor and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission.

In 1991, as Finance Minister under PV Narasimha Rao, Singh delivered a watershed budget speech that symbolized India's leap towards liberalization. His reforms dismantled decades of state control, opened doors to foreign investments, and set the foundation for India's growth into a global economic powerhouse.

The reluctant politician who led India
Often described as a “reluctant politician,” Dr. Singh’s transition from bureaucrat to statesman was seamless yet understated. After years in the Rajya Sabha, Singh ascended to the Prime Minister's Office in 2004, handpicked by Sonia Gandhi to lead the Congress-led UPA government.

Achievements as Prime Minister
Under his stewardship from 2004 to 2014, India witnessed unprecedented growth, with GDP averaging over seven per cent. Key legislations like the Right to Information Act (RTI) and MGNREGA transformed governance and lives. Yet, his tenure was not without criticism, particularly over alleged corruption scandals. Despite this, Singh’s calm demeanour, humility, and integrity won him admiration across political lines.

A quiet exit, a lasting legacy
Manmohan Singh retired from active politics in 2024 after decades of service. Frail but resolute, he remained a symbol of India's economic transformation and inclusive development. His iconic words during the 1991 budget—“No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come”—resonate as a tribute to his visionary leadership.

Dr. Singh’s life stands as a testament to the transformative power of education, determination, and selfless service. For India, his legacy as the “architect of economic reforms” endures.