Former PM Manmohan Singh Passes Away at 92; Nation Mourns a Visionary Leader

Reported by Amit Singh
New Delhi, 26th December 2024: Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92. Dr. Singh, a two-time Prime Minister and one of India’s most respected economists, breathed his last at 9:51 PM at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi. He was admitted to the emergency ward at 8:06 PM after collapsing at home.

Dr. Singh had been grappling with health issues for a long time and had been hospitalized several times in recent years. His contributions as a reformer and architect of India’s liberalized economy will be remembered as a cornerstone of his legacy.

Following the news, security has been tightened around AIIMS. Several political leaders, including Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi and BJP president JP Nadda, arrived at the hospital to pay their respects. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Dr. Singh’s family, offering condolences on behalf of the nation.

In light of the tragic news, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, being held in Belagavi, Karnataka, was immediately cancelled. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge have left for Delhi and are expected to reach late at night.

Dr. Singh made his last public appearance as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha on 7th August 2023. Despite his frail health, he arrived in a wheelchair to participate in the voting on the Delhi Services Bill, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to public service.

Dr. Manmohan Singh’s contributions to the nation include pioneering economic reforms in 1991 as the Finance Minister, which transformed India into one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. He served as the Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, overseeing a decade of significant economic growth and social welfare reforms.

The nation mourns the loss of a visionary leader who shaped India’s modern economic landscape. Further announcements regarding his funeral arrangements are awaited.

Dr. Singh was born on September 26, 1932, in the village of Gah, which is now in Pakistan’s Punjab province. He was a scholar of exceptional intellect and pursued his education at prestigious institutions. Dr. Singh earned his Master’s degree from Punjab University, followed by a First Class Honours degree in Economics from the University of Cambridge in 1957. He then completed his D. Phil in Economics from Nuffield College at Oxford University in 1962. His academic prowess laid the foundation for his distinguished career in government and economics.

Dr. Singh’s career began in 1971 when he joined the Indian Government as an Economic Advisor in the Ministry of Commerce. His talents quickly garnered recognition, leading to his appointment as Chief Economic Advisor in the Ministry of Finance in 1972. Dr. Singh’s contributions to Indian economic policy were significant, and he held several pivotal positions, including Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, and Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.

However, it was during his tenure as Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996 that Dr. Singh’s name became synonymous with India’s economic liberalization. His visionary reforms transformed the Indian economy, ushering in a new era of globalization, trade liberalization, and economic growth. His leadership during the 1991 balance of payments crisis and his bold decisions to open up the Indian economy are still regarded as one of the most significant turning points in India’s post-independence history.

Dr. Singh’s work in economic reforms earned him numerous awards and honors, including India’s second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan, in 1987. He was also the recipient of the Asia Money Award for Finance Minister of the Year (1993 and 1994) and the Euro Money Award (1993). Additionally, Dr. Singh was honored with honorary degrees from several universities, including the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford.

His political career reached its zenith when he was elected as the 13th Prime Minister of India on May 22, 2004. Under his leadership, India saw substantial progress in various sectors, including infrastructure, education, and health. Dr. Singh was re-elected for a second term in 2009, continuing his policies of economic reform and progress.

Apart from his economic achievements, Dr. Singh was known for his humble and accessible demeanor. His unassuming nature and academic approach to governance earned him respect both domestically and internationally. Dr. Singh’s leadership style was characterized by his quiet confidence and a focus on consensus-building.

Dr. Singh served as a Member of India’s Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament) from 1991 and became the Leader of the Opposition between 1998 and 2004. During his time in Parliament, Dr. Singh represented the interests of the people and worked to address the country’s social and economic challenges.

His passing is mourned across the political spectrum, with leaders and citizens alike reflecting on his immense contributions to India. Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid expressed his sorrow, tweeting, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India. His contributions to the nation and his dedication to public service will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Dr. Singh was married to Gursharan Kaur, and the couple had three daughters. His family, friends, and the people of India will remember him not only for his economic acumen but also for his unwavering commitment to the country’s development.

Major Achievements:

– Finance Minister (1991-1996): Orchestrated India’s economic liberalization.
– Prime Minister (2004-2014): Oversaw significant growth in the Indian economy, global stature, and policy reforms.
– Awards & Honors: Padma Vibhushan (1987), Euro Money Finance Minister of the Year (1993), Asia Money Finance Minister of the Year (1993, 1994), among others.
– Educational Excellence: D. Phil from Oxford, First Class Honours in Economics from Cambridge.

Dr. Manmohan Singh’s contributions will remain etched in the history of India. He will be remembered not only as a brilliant economist and politician but also as a symbol of public service, humility, and dedication to the nation.