Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh Passes Away

Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, a towering figure in Indian politics and economics, passed away at the age of 92. Dr. Singh, India’s 13th Prime Minister, served the nation from 2004 to 2014 and played a pivotal role as Finance Minister during the economic liberalization of the 1990s. A distinguished economist, scholar, and statesman, his contributions have left an indelible mark on the trajectory of India’s economic and political landscape.

Early Life and Academic Excellence

Dr. Manmohan Singh was born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, now in Pakistan. His early education began at Panjab University, where his exceptional academic abilities shone brightly. He later pursued advanced studies at the prestigious Oxford University and Cambridge University, earning a doctorate in economics. His academic pursuits were characterized by brilliance and rigor, which laid the foundation for his future roles as a policymaker and economist.

Dr. Singh held key advisory roles in the Indian government, contributing his deep understanding of economics to several institutions, including the Reserve Bank of India, the Planning Commission, and the Ministry of Finance. His tenure at these institutions reflected his profound grasp of economic theory and practical policy-making.

The Economic Reforms of 1991: A Defining Contribution

One of Dr. Manmohan Singh’s most significant contributions to India’s progress came during the economic reforms of 1991. Serving as the Finance Minister under Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao, Dr. Singh played a central role in navigating India through a severe balance of payments crisis. At that time, India was on the brink of economic default, and the future appeared uncertain.

Dr. Singh’s visionary policies marked a turning point for the nation. Key reforms included:

• Devaluation of the Indian Rupee to make exports competitive.
• Removal of trade barriers to encourage global trade.
• Promotion of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to attract global capital.
• Dismantling the License Raj, which had long stifled business growth.

These policies ushered in an era of privatization, deregulation, and global economic integration, transforming India from a closed economy to one of the fastest-growing markets in the world. His reforms laid the foundation for India’s emergence as a major global economic player in subsequent decades.

Prime Ministership: Navigating Economic Growth and Challenges (2004-2014)

Dr. Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant achievements as well as challenges. His leadership saw India achieve an average annual GDP growth rate of approximately 8%, fueled by domestic consumption, a burgeoning middle class, and increased global trade.

Key Achievements:

1. NREGA (National Rural Employment Guarantee Act): Dr. Singh’s government launched this flagship program to address rural poverty and unemployment by guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment annually to rural households.
2. Infrastructure Development: His administration focused on expanding roads, telecom networks, and power generation capacity, laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth.
3. Social Welfare Initiatives: Programs targeting education, healthcare, and financial inclusion improved the lives of millions, particularly marginalized communities.

Challenges:

Despite these achievements, the latter part of Dr. Singh’s second term was marred by accusations of policy paralysis and high-profile corruption scandals. These issues dented the government’s reputation, although Dr. Singh’s personal integrity and humility remained unquestioned. His calm and measured approach to leadership earned him respect across the political spectrum.

Foreign Policy and Global Relations

Dr. Singh’s tenure witnessed a significant strengthening of India’s global standing. Among his notable foreign policy achievements was the Indo-US Nuclear Deal in 2008, which opened civilian nuclear technology to India and elevated its position in global geopolitics.

Key Highlights of Foreign Policy

• Strengthening Ties with the United States: The nuclear deal marked a new chapter in India-US relations, fostering cooperation in energy, defense, and technology.
• Participation in Global Forums: Dr. Singh actively engaged India in international forums like the United Nations, G-20, and BRICS, ensuring India’s voice was heard on global issues.
• Balancing Power Dynamics: His diplomacy struck a balance between Western powers and emerging economies, showcasing India as a reformist democratic society.

Legacy: An Economist and Statesman

Dr. Manmohan Singh’s legacy is intricately tied to India’s economic progress and inclusive growth. As the architect of economic reforms, he laid the foundation for India’s transformation into a global economic powerhouse. His efforts toward financial inclusion, rural development, and infrastructure modernization continue to influence policy-making.

List of awards and honours received by Manmohan Singh

National Honours:

Decoration	Country	Date	Note
Padma Vibhushan	India	1987	The second-highest civilian honour of India.

Foreign Honours:

Decoration	Country	Date	Note
Order of King Abdulaziz	Saudi Arabia	2010	Special Class, the second-highest civilian honour of Saudi Arabia.
Order of the Paulownia Flowers	Japan	2014	Grand Cordon, the second-highest civilian honour of Japan.

Scholastic Recognitions:

Year	Fellowship/Position	Institution	Country
1957	Wrenbury Scholar	University of Cambridge	United Kingdom
1976	Honorary Professor	Jawaharlal Nehru University	India
1982	Honorary Fellow	Indian Institute of Bankers	India
	Honorary Fellow	St John’s College, Cambridge	United Kingdom
1985	President	Indian Economic Association	India
1986	National Fellow	National Institute of Education	India
1994	Distinguished Fellow	London School of Economics	United Kingdom
1996	Honorary Professor	Delhi School of Economics	India

Honorary Degrees:

Year	Degree	University	Country
1983	Doctor of Letters	Panjab University	India
1997	Doctor of Law	University of Alberta	Canada
2005	Doctor of Civil Law	University of Oxford	United Kingdom
2007	Doctor of Letters	University of Jammu	India
2010	Doctorate	Moscow State Institute of International Relations	Russia