Dr. Manmohan Singh, born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, a small village in the Punjab province of British India (now in Pakistan), stands as one of the most influential economists and political leaders of modern India. From a modest background, he rose to become India’s 13th Prime Minister, serving two consecutive terms from 2004 to 2014. His contributions as an economist and policymaker have left an indelible mark on the nation’s economic and political landscape.
Manmohan Singh was born into a Sikh family and experienced the trials of Partition in 1947, which forced his family to migrate to Amritsar, India. Despite these challenges, Singh excelled academically. After completing his early education in Punjab, he pursued higher studies in economics, earning his bachelor's degree from Panjab University in 1952 and his master's degree from the same institution in 1954.
Recognized for his exceptional intellect, Singh secured a scholarship to study at the University of Cambridge, where he earned an undergraduate degree in economics in 1957. He later completed his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in economics at the University of Oxford in 1962, specializing in India’s trade and development policies. His doctoral thesis, titled India’s Export Performance, 1951–1960, Export Prospects and Policy Implications, provided valuable insights into the Indian economy.
Dr. Singh began his professional career as an academic, teaching at Panjab University and later at the Delhi School of Economics. His deep understanding of economic principles and his ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges earned him recognition in academic and policymaking circles.
In 1971, Singh joined the Government of India as an economic adviser in the Ministry of Foreign Trade. Over the years, he held various key positions, including Chief Economic Adviser (1972–1976), Secretary in the Finance Ministry, and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission. His international roles included serving as India’s Governor for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Dr. Singh’s most notable contribution to India’s economic history came during his tenure as the Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996 under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. At a time when India faced a severe economic crisis, characterized by a balance of payments crisis and dwindling foreign exchange reserves, Singh introduced sweeping economic reforms that transformed India’s economic trajectory.
Key measures included:
Liberalization: Reducing government control over industries and promoting private sector participation.
Privatization: Selling stakes in public sector enterprises to reduce the fiscal burden.
Globalization: Opening up the Indian economy to foreign investments and trade.
These reforms dismantled the "License Raj," reduced bureaucratic red tape, and integrated India into the global economy. The results were profound, with India transitioning from a closed economy to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Dr. Singh’s pragmatic approach earned him widespread acclaim both domestically and internationally.
Although initially reluctant to enter full-time politics, Dr. Singh joined the Indian National Congress and was elected to the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of Parliament) in 1991. Over the next decade, he served in various capacities, including as Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha.
In 2004, following the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance’s (UPA) unexpected victory in the general elections, Sonia Gandhi, the party’s president, chose Dr. Singh as the Prime Minister. His tenure marked a historic moment as he became India’s first Sikh Prime Minister.
Achievements as Prime Minister (2004–2014):
Economic Growth: Under Singh’s leadership, India experienced sustained economic growth, averaging around 7-8% annually. His government focused on infrastructure development, rural employment schemes, and poverty alleviation programs.
Landmark Policies:
National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA): Providing guaranteed rural employment.
Right to Information Act: Enhancing transparency in governance.
Right to Education Act: Ensuring free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14.
3. Civil Nuclear Agreement with the U.S.: Dr. Singh played a pivotal role in forging the Indo-U.S. Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008, which ended India’s nuclear isolation and allowed access to nuclear technology and fuel for civilian purposes.
Social Welfare Programs: Initiatives like the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme significantly improved urban infrastructure and child nutrition.
Despite these achievements, his tenure was not without challenges. His second term, in particular, was marred by allegations of corruption, including the 2G spectrum case and the coal allocation scam, which dented his government’s credibility. Critics also labeled him as a "silent Prime Minister" due to his perceived reluctance to assert authority within his party and government.
Dr. Singh stepped down as Prime Minister in 2014 after the Congress party’s defeat in the general elections. Since then, he has continued to be a respected voice on economic and policy matters. His legacy as an economist and statesman is characterized by his unwavering commitment to India’s development and his integrity in public life.
Dr. Singh married Gursharan Kaur in 1958, and the couple has three daughters. Known for his simplicity, humility, and scholarly demeanor, he has often been described as a "gentleman politician." His adherence to principles, even in the face of adversity, has earned him admiration across the political spectrum.
Dr. Manmohan Singh has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his illustrious career, including:
Padma Vibhushan (1987): India’s second-highest civilian award.
Honorary degrees from several prestigious universities worldwide.
Recognition as one of the world’s top leaders by various international publications.
Singh underwent several cardiac bypass surgeries, with the most recent one taking place in January 2009. In May 2020, he was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi after experiencing an adverse reaction to his medication. He was hospitalized again in October 2021 at AIIMS due to weakness and fever.
On 26 December 2024, Singh was rushed to the emergency department at AIIMS, New Delhi, following a collapse at his home. He was admitted with complications related to heart disease and age-related health issues. Singh passed away a few hours later at the age of 92. The government declared a period of national mourning until 1 January 2025 and announced that Singh would be accorded a state funeral.
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