Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singhone of India’s most respected leaders and the architect of landmark economic reforms, has passed away at the age of 92. Singh, who served as the Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, breathed his last in a hospital in Delhi, where he had been admitted due to deteriorating health.
A Visionary Leader Who Shaped India’s Economic Landscape
Manmohan Singh is widely recognized for his pivotal role in transforming India’s economic landscape. Serving as Finance Minister in the early 1990s, Singh introduced groundbreaking liberalization policies that steered India towards globalization and economic growth. As Prime Minister, he furthered these reforms while championing social welfare programs and economic stability.
His tenure was marked by major initiatives, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which uplifted millions of underprivileged citizens, and the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, which strengthened international relations.
Tributes Pour In from Across the Nation
Tributes flowed from political leaders and citizens across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief, saying, “India has lost one of its most exceptional leaders. Dr. Singh’s wisdom and humility shone through in every interaction, and his tireless efforts to uplift lives will remain unforgettable.”
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi praised Singh as “genuinely egalitarian, wise, strong-willed, and courageous until the end.” Rahul Gandhi, the current leader of the Congress party, mourned the loss of a “mentor and guide,” emphasizing Singh’s profound impact on his own leadership journey.
A Historic Legacy
Dr. Manmohan Singh holds the distinction of being the first Sikh to become Prime Minister of India and the first leader since Jawaharlal Nehru to win re-election after completing a full term. His leadership style, marked by quiet determination and intellectual depth, earned him widespread respect.
Born on 26 September 1932 in a remote village in the Punjab province of undivided India, Singh’s early life was one of modest beginnings. His village lacked basic amenities like water & electricity. Despite financial challenges, Singh excelled academically, earning a master’s degree from the University of Cambridge and a DPhil from the University of Oxford.
Humble Beginnings to Global Acclaim
Manmohan Singh’s daughter, Daman Singh, recounted in her book how her father’s journey was marked by resilience and dedication. During his time at Cambridge, financial hardships often troubled him, but they also shaped his character and determination.
Remembering a Statesman
Manmohan Singh’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian politics. His contributions to India’s economic growth, social welfare, and international relations have left an indelible mark on the nation.
As India mourns the loss of this towering figure, his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. His wisdom, humility, and dedication to the nation remain etched in the collective memory of a grateful country.
Comments are closed.