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Dr. Manmohan Singh, who served as India’s 14th Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92.
Renowned for his transformative contributions to India’s economic landscape and governance, Singh leaves behind a legacy of intellectual leadership and public service.
Early Life and Education
Born on September 26, 1932, in a village in Punjab, Singh displayed academic excellence from an early age. He completed his Matriculation from Punjab University in 1948 before heading to the United Kingdom for higher education. In 1957, he graduated with First Class Honours in Economics from the University of Cambridge and went on to earn a D.Phil. in Economics from Nuffield College, Oxford, in 1962. This strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for his later contributions to public life.
Career Beginnings
Singh’s career began in academia, where he taught at Punjab University and the Delhi School of Economics. In 1971, he joined the Indian government as an Economic Advisor in the Ministry of Commerce, and later became Chief Economic Advisor in the Ministry of Finance. His appointment as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India further solidified his standing as one of India’s foremost economists.
Economic Reforms as Finance Minister
Singh’s most defining role came when he served as Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996 under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. During a time of severe financial crisis, Singh took bold steps to liberalize India’s economy. Faced with plummeting foreign reserves, he oversaw crucial reforms, including currency devaluation, reduction in import tariffs, and the privatization of state-owned enterprises. His famous speech during his inaugural budget—“No force on Earth can halt an idea whose moment has arrived”—became a rallying cry for the economic liberalization movement.
Prime Ministership
As Prime Minister, Singh continued to champion economic growth while ensuring that development was inclusive. Under his leadership, India enjoyed sustained economic growth, averaging 7.7% annually, transforming the nation into one of the world’s largest economies. He played a pivotal role in passing landmark social legislation such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which provided wage employment to rural households. Singh’s tenure was marked by skillful management of coalition governments and deft handling of complex international relations, including the historic Indo-US nuclear deal. His calm demeanor and consensus-building approach earned him respect across political parties.
Legacy and Honors
Singh’s legacy as a scholar and leader is firmly entrenched in India’s history. He received numerous accolades for his work, including the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor, in 1987. Throughout his career, he was lauded for his contributions to finance and economics and for advancing social welfare through rights-based legislation. His intellectual rigor, coupled with his unwavering commitment to public service, shaped modern India’s economic policies and governance structures.
Dr. Manmohan Singh leaves behind a profound and lasting legacy, inspiring future generations dedicated to public service and economic development. His contributions will continue to influence India’s growth for years to come.
