Dr. Manmohan Singh, India’s 14th Prime Minister and a renowned economist, passed away at 92 in AIIMS Delhi. A visionary leader and the architect of India’s economic reforms, he served as PM from 2004 to 2014. Known for his humility and intellect, his contributions shaped modern India’s growth story.
Dr. Manmohan Singh, born on 26 September, 1932, in Gah, West Punjab (now in Pakistan), is one of India’s most respected leaders. A distinguished economist and politician, Singh served as India’s fourteenth Prime Minister from May 22, 2004, to May 26, 2014. As the first Sikh and the first person from a minority community to hold this position, he left an indelible mark on the country’s economic and political landscape.
Manmohan Singh: Early Life and Education
Dr. Singh showed exceptional academic brilliance from a young age. He completed his Matriculation from Punjab University in 1948. Later, he earned a First Class Honours degree in Economics from the University of Cambridge, UK, in 1957, followed by a D. Phil in Economics from Nuffield College at Oxford University in 1962. His doctoral thesis, later published as the book India’s Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth (1964), provided a critique of India’s inward-looking trade policies.
Academic and Professional Career
Dr. Singh began his career as an academic, teaching economics at Punjab University and the prestigious Delhi School of Economics. His intellectual prowess earned him recognition internationally, and he worked briefly with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Between 1987 and 1990, he served as Secretary General of the South Commission in Geneva.
His career took a significant turn in 1971 when he joined the Indian government as the Economic Advisor in the Commerce Ministry. Over the years, he held several key positions, including Chief Economic Advisor (1972), Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, and Chairman of the University Grants Commission.
Role as Finance Minister (1991–1996)
In 1991, during a severe economic crisis, Dr. Singh was appointed Finance Minister in the government of P.V. Narasimha Rao. India faced an economic collapse, but under Singh’s leadership, the government introduced groundbreaking reforms. These included devaluing the rupee, reducing import tariffs, lowering taxes, privatizing state-owned industries, and encouraging foreign investment. These measures not only stabilized the economy but also set the stage for sustained economic growth and globalization.
Dr. Singh’s work as Finance Minister earned him international acclaim, and he is often credited as the architect of modern India’s liberalized economy.
Political Career and Rise to Prime Minister
Dr. Singh became a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha (India’s upper house) in 1991 and served there for many years. After the Congress Party’s victory in the 2004 general elections, Sonia Gandhi, the party’s leader, declined the post of Prime Minister and instead recommended Dr. Singh for the role. He was sworn in as India’s Prime Minister on May 22, 2004, marking the beginning of a historic tenure.
Tenure as Prime Minister (2004–2014)
Dr. Singh served two consecutive terms as Prime Minister, from 2004 to 2009 and from 2009 to 2014. During his tenure, India experienced rapid economic growth, further solidifying its position as a major global power.
Key Achievements
Economic Growth: Under his leadership, India’s economy grew at an unprecedented pace, attracting foreign investments and boosting infrastructure development.
Social Welfare: Dr. Singh focused on reducing poverty through programs like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Right to Education Act.
Nuclear Agreement: In 2005, he negotiated a landmark civil nuclear cooperation deal with U.S. President George W. Bush, allowing India access to nuclear fuel and technology despite its non-signatory status to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Challenges
Despite his successes, Dr. Singh faced significant challenges during his tenure. Rising fuel prices led to inflation, which affected subsidies for the poor. Political opposition to the U.S.-India nuclear deal created tensions within his coalition government, leading to a confidence vote in Parliament in 2008, which his government narrowly survived amidst allegations of corruption.
His second term was marred by allegations of corruption involving Congress Party officials and a slowdown in economic growth, which hurt the party’s popularity.
Legacy and Honors
Dr. Singh’s tenure ended on May 26, 2014, when Narendra Modi of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took office as Prime Minister. Despite the controversies during his second term, Dr. Singh remains respected for his honesty, intellect, and transformative role in shaping India’s economy.
Dr. Singh has been honored with numerous awards, including:
Padma Vibhushan (1987): India’s second-highest civilian honor.
Adam Smith Prize (1956): Awarded by the University of Cambridge.
Euro Money Award (1993): For Finance Minister of the Year.
Honorary degrees from prestigious universities like Cambridge and Oxford.
Dr. Manmohan Singh: Personal Life
Dr. Manmohan Singh is married to Mrs. Gursharan Kaur, and the couple has three daughters. Known for his humility and quiet demeanor, Dr. Singh has always been admired for his academic approach to leadership and dedication to public service.
Conclusion
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s journey from a small village in Punjab to becoming India’s Prime Minister is a story of brilliance, perseverance, and service to the nation. As a scholar, economist, and leader, he played a pivotal role in transforming India into a modern economic powerhouse. His contributions to India’s growth and governance continue to inspire generations.
