It was a sad day for India when news came about the death of Dr. Manmohan Singh on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92. He is known all over the world as the architect of India’s economic reforms. He has permanently changed the history of the country. The future of India has been greatly shaped by his participation to the economic scene and his term as Prime Minister. This article covers life and accomplishments as well as his leaving behind.
Rest in peace, Dr. Manmohan Singh. Your vision and wisdom have left an indelible mark on our nation.
Early Life and Education
Manmohan Singh was born on 26 September 1932, in the village of Gah, which now is part of Pakistan in Punjab. Manmohan’s early years were overshadowed by India’s partition in 1947, when he, along with his family, had to migrate to India. During this period, he had a remarkable academic career. He has done his bachelor’s and master’s in Economics from Panjab University, Chandigarh. He pursued higher studies at the University of Cambridge, where he obtained a First Class Honours degree in Economics. His final academic qualification is D.Phil. in Economics from the University of Oxford.
Personal Life and Character
Manmohan Singh was a man of integrity, humility, and commitment to public service. He remained the most unassuming figure even while holding some of the highest offices in the country. His personal life was simple, and he had a very strong commitment to his family. Singh married Gursharan Kaur, and they had three children.
The Architect of Economic Reforms
The most important contribution of Dr. Singh to India was during his tenure as Finance Minister between 1991 and 1996. The worst economic crisis India had ever faced, Singh introduced a series of economic reforms that liberalized the Indian economy. It comprised reducing import tariffs, deregulating markets, and promoting foreign investment. His policies changed India from a closed economy to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
Prime Ministerial Tenure
Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister of India from 2004 until 2014 during the UPA government led by the Congress. He guided India towards improved social welfare programs, better economic times, and a stronger will to take front stage in the world. Particularly focused on the following areas:
- Economic Growth: Singh guided India’s economy to tremendous prosperity, with GDP growth rates often surpassing 8%. Policies of the government were ever inclusive for growth, alleviating poverty, and developing standards of living.
- Social Welfare Programs: The Singh government initiated several social welfare programs. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, or MGNREGA, provided jobs to rural families. Another major legislation was the Right to Information Act, or RTI, which dealt with the issues of transparency and accountability in governance.
- Nuclear Deal with United States: One of Singh’s greatest achievements has been the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement of 2008, which brought an end to India’s nuclear isolation and opened access to nuclear technology and fuel from other countries, improving its energy security.
- Foreign Policy: The period of Singh was the strengthening of India’s relations with the world’s greatest powers, including the United States, Russia, and China. His diplomatic initiatives helped raise India’s global reputation and influence.
Reactions and Tributes to Manmohan Singh’s Death
The death of Dr. Manmohan Singh has evoked moving tributes and condolences from leaders all over the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited Singh’s residence to pay his respects, described him as a leader who went to great lengths to try to improve people’s lives. Modi recalled their interactions and deliberations on governance, noting Singh’s insightful contributions in Parliament.
Paid tributes to Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji at his residence. India will forever remember his contribution to our nation. pic.twitter.com/nnNZjiSowN
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 27, 2024
Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader, described Singh as his mentor and guide in words filled with deep sorrow and admiration. He commended Singh’s wisdom, integrity, and humility and said millions of Indians would remember him with pride.
Manmohan Singh Ji led India with immense wisdom and integrity. His humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the nation.
My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Kaur and the family.
I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the… pic.twitter.com/bYT5o1ZN2R
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 26, 2024
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh also described Singh’s multi-dimensional legacy as that of an academician, economist, and statesman. Singh had made India shine globally with an economic culture that lasted a long time.
As a Teacher in a Medical School, I myself and so also many of my contemporaries… we got absolutely enamoured of #DrManmohanSingh ji when we learnt that after 52 years of prestigious assignments, he had decided to return to his alma mater Punjab University as a Professor of… pic.twitter.com/YOFFyZsMm5
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) December 26, 2024
International leaders also paid tribute to Singh. While Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov praised Singh’s services to world diplomacy, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken appreciated Singh’s part in improving India-US ties.
It is moment of poignant sorrow and grief for India and for Russia. Dr Manmohan Singh‘s contribution to our bilateral ties was immeasurable. His suave demeanor was always endearing as unquestionable was his expertise as an economist and his commitment to the progress of India. pic.twitter.com/rxjUQsFgj5
— Denis Alipov 🇷🇺 (@AmbRus_India) December 26, 2024
National Mourning and State Death
In honour of Dr. Manmohan Singh passing, the Indian government has announced seven-day national mourning. All government programs have been canceled, and the national flag will fly half-mast all over the nation. He will receive a state funeral as an honour to Singh, expressing respect and gratitude that the country had for his services.
Challenges and Criticisms
Though he has achieved many things, the tenure of Singh was not free from controversy and criticism. When the 2G spectrum fraud and the Commonwealth Games scandal were under way, corruption allegations dogged his administration. These controversies tarnished his government’s reputation, and public opinion developed all throughout the nation.
Moreover, he was often attacked for not being forceful and depending too much on Congress party leader Sonia Gandhi in particular. His authority as Prime Minister was said to have been undermined.
Legacy and Impact
Manmohan Singh left a complicated legacy with both noteworthy problems and great success. Still, it is impossible to discount his work towards the welfare of millions of Indians or his help in bringing India’s economy forward. India’s progress in the twenty-first century sprang from Singh’s financial reforms. Many historic measures he oversaw as Prime Minister are still helping the nation today.
Conclusion
The life and work of Dr. Manmohan Singh reflect his commitment to India’s growth and welfare. Reformer, statesman, and economist he has made major contributions to the future of India. The legacy of Dr. Manmohan will still shape the next leaders and legislators. Though his influence will be felt for years, a nation has lost a visionary leader.
