India mourns the loss of Dr. Manmohan Singh, a towering figure in the nation’s history, who passed away at the age of 92. His remarkable journey from the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India to the Reformer Finance Minister and finally to the Prime Minister has left an indelible mark on the country.
Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Dr. Singh’s early life was marked by academic brilliance. He completed his matriculation from Punjab University in 1948 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in economics from Panjab University in 1952. His academic journey took him to the University of Cambridge, where he achieved first-class honours in the Economic Tripos in 1957, and later to Nuffield College, Oxford, where he obtained a DPhil in economics in 1962.
Dr. Singh’s career began in academia, but his expertise soon extended to international organizations, including a stint at the UNCTAD Secretariat and later as secretary-general of the South Commission in Geneva. Within India’s administrative machinery, he held several pivotal roles, including Chief Economic Adviser and Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.
In 1991, amidst a severe economic crisis, Dr. Singh was appointed Finance Minister in Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao’s government. Tasked with averting a financial collapse, he introduced sweeping reforms that opened India’s economy to global markets. His landmark 1991 Budget speech, quoting Victor Hugo, “No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come,” heralded a new era of economic growth and resilience for India.
In 2004, Dr. Singh became India’s 14th Prime Minister, leading the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for two consecutive terms. Known for his quiet determination and intellectual depth, his leadership emphasized inclusive development and social empowerment. Key initiatives during his tenure included the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Right to Information Act, which strengthened transparency and accountability.
Dr. Singh’s calm yet decisive leadership helped India weather the global financial crisis of 2008, ensuring economic stability while fostering sustained growth. His contributions earned him numerous awards, including India’s second-highest civilian honor, the Padma Vibhushan.
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s legacy as an economist, statesman, and reformer continues to inspire future generations. His remarkable journey from the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India to the Reformer Finance Minister and Prime Minister will forever be remembered by the nation.
