In a somber turn of events, India and the world mourn the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, the country's fourth longest-serving Prime Minister, who departed on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92. Known for his gentle demeanor juxtaposed with a fierce intellect, Singh's legacy is indelibly etched in India's economic narrative. His death from heart disease combined with the frailties of old age has left a void in Indian politics and academia, with tributes pouring in from across the globe under the hashtag #RestInPeace.
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Born in 1932 in what is now Pakistan, Manmohan Singh's journey was one from modest beginnings to the pinnacle of Indian governance. Educated at the University of Punjab, Cambridge, and Oxford, Singh's academic credentials were stellar, which later translated into his administrative acumen. Before stepping into the political arena, he was an esteemed academic, serving as a professor of international trade at Delhi School of Economics and later as the Reserve Bank of India's Governor.
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Singh's political career took a definitive turn when he was appointed as Finance Minister in 1991 by then-Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. This period was pivotal; India was on the brink of an economic crisis, and Singh was instrumental in implementing reforms that liberalized the economy. His policies dismantled the "License Raj", liberalized trade, reduced tariffs, and opened the Indian market to foreign investments, laying the foundation for the economic boom India experienced in subsequent decades. These reforms are often credited with setting India on the path to becoming one of the fastest-growing major economies.
His tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 was less about dramatic policy shifts but more about consolidation and continuation of the economic trajectory he had set earlier. Under his leadership, India saw significant growth in IT services, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors, fostering an environment where business could thrive. Despite facing criticism over various governance issues like corruption allegations and policy paralysis, Singh's integrity and dedication to public service were never in doubt.
Singh's approach to politics was always marked by a quiet dignity and a focus on policy over populism. His speeches, often delivered in a soft-spoken manner, were laden with insights into economic theory and governance, making him a unique figure in India's often raucous political landscape. His commitment to inclusive growth was evident in initiatives like the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, which aimed at providing a social safety net for the rural poor.
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On the international stage, Singh was known for his advocacy of global economic cooperation, particularly in the context of climate change and trade. He was a proponent of the nuclear deal with the United States, which, despite being controversial, was seen by many as a strategic move to bolster India's energy security and international standing.
His personal life was as understated as his public persona. Known for his simplicity, Manmohan Singh lived a life of integrity and humility, traits that endeared him to many even amidst political controversies. His relationship with his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and his three daughters was a testament to his private, family-centric life away from the political whirlwind.
As the news of his passing spread, social media platforms became arenas for reflection, with the hashtag #RestInPeace trending globally. Leaders from around the world, current and former colleagues in the Indian political spectrum, and ordinary citizens have shared anecdotes, tributes, and stories of their encounters with Singh, painting a picture of a man respected for his intellect, his service, and his humanity.
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Manmohan Singh's death marks the end of an era for Indian politics, but his legacy lives on in the economic policies that continue to shape India's growth story. His life's work serves as a reminder of the impact one individual can have on a nation's trajectory. As India moves forward, the principles of integrity, economic prudence, and inclusive growth that Singh championed will continue to inspire policymakers and citizens alike. In remembering Manmohan Singh, we not only honor a great leader but also celebrate the ideals he stood for throughout his illustrious career.
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