Dr. Manmohan Singh: A Legacy in Indian Economy and Politics Dies at 92 at New Delhi

Former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh died at the age of 92.

Dr. Singh was one of India’s longest-serving prime ministers and was considered the architect of liberalising economic reforms, as premier from 2004-2014 and before that as finance minister of India.

Singh was taken to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi for emergency treatment on Thursday after “sudden loss of consciousness at home,” the hospital said in a statement, adding that he had been undergoing care for age-related medical conditions.

Among those who paid tribute to Singh on Thursday were Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who wrote on social media that “India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders”.

Modi said that Singh’s “wisdom and humility were always visible” during their interactions and that he had “made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives” during his time as prime minister.

Priyanka Gandhi, the daughter of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and a Congress party member, said that Singh was “genuinely egalitarian, wise, strong-willed and courageous until the end”.

Her brother Rahul, who leads Congress, said he had “lost a mentor and guide”.

Singh was the first Indian leader since Jawaharlal Nehru to be re-elected after serving a full first term, and the first Sikh to hold the country’s top post. He made a public apology in parliament for the 1984 riots in which some 3,000 Sikhs were killed.

But his second term in office was marred by a string of corruption allegations that dogged his administration. The scandals, many say, were partially responsible for his Congress party’s crushing defeat in the 2014 general election.

Singh was born on 26 September 1932, in a desolate village in the Punjab province of undivided India, which lacked both water and electricity.

After attending Panjab University he took a master’s degree at the University of Cambridge and then a DPhil at Oxford.

While studying at Cambridge, the lack of funds bothered Singh, his daughter, Daman Singh, wrote in a book on her parents.

Contributions to the Indian Economy

Dr. Singh, who served as the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, played a crucial role in shaping the modern Indian economy. He was the architect of the economic liberalization policies in the early 1990s, which opened the country to foreign investments and led to unprecedented economic growth. His vision and pragmatic approach helped stabilize the economy during turbulent times, paving the way for India’s emergence as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

Also Read: Benefits of Eating Moringa Leaves

A Legacy of Leadership

In addition to his significant contributions to the Indian economy, Dr. Manmohan Singh was a beacon of integrity and perseverance in Indian politics. He faced numerous challenges, including global financial crises and domestic controversies, yet he remained steadfast in his commitments to economic growth and social equity. As we reflect on his contributions, we remember a leader who was dedicated not only to ministerial duties but also to the overall well-being of the Indian populace.

As we say goodbye to Dr. Manmohan Singh, his legacy will continue to inspire future leaders to prioritize the growth of the Indian economy and the betterment of Indian politics.