India grieves the loss of its esteemed former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away today at the age of 92. Dr. Singh’s demise signifies the end of a significant chapter in India’s political and economic history.
Early Life and Academic Excellence
Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Dr. Singh’s early life was marked by academic brilliance. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Economics from Panjab University in 1952 and 1954, respectively. He later completed his Economic Tripos at Cambridge University in 1957, followed by a D.Phil in Economics from Oxford University in 1962.
Architect of Economic Reforms
As Finance Minister in 1991, Dr. Singh was instrumental in implementing economic reforms that liberalized India’s economy, steering the nation away from a severe financial crisis. His policies, including the devaluation of the rupee, reduction of taxes, privatization of state-run industries, and encouragement of foreign investment, were pivotal in transforming India’s economic landscape.
In his now-famous Budget speech of 1991, he quoted Victor Hugo: “No power on Earth can stop an idea whose time has come.” Those words heralded a new chapter in India’s history, turning the country into a global economic powerhouse.
Visionary Initiatives: Aadhaar and Beyond
During his tenure as Prime Minister, Dr. Singh championed several transformative initiatives, including the launch of the Aadhaar card. Conceived in 2009, Aadhaar aimed to provide a unique identity to every Indian resident, fostering better governance and ensuring the efficient delivery of welfare schemes. This initiative, implemented under the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), is now recognized globally as one of the largest and most impactful biometric-based identity systems.
Dr. Singh’s commitment to leveraging technology for societal benefit was evident in this groundbreaking project, which continues to play a critical role in India’s development journey.
Tenure as Prime Minister (2004–2014)
Serving as the 13th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, Dr. Singh’s leadership was marked by significant social and economic initiatives:
- Social Welfare Programs: His government prioritized social welfare programs such as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and the Right to Information Act, both aimed at empowering the rural poor and enhancing governance.
- Economic Stability: Under his leadership, India navigated the global financial crisis of 2008 more effectively than many other nations, ensuring that the country emerged relatively unscathed.
Khushwant Singh’s Reflections on Dr. Manmohan Singh
Renowned author and journalist Khushwant Singh held Dr. Manmohan Singh in high esteem, often praising his integrity and leadership. In his book “Absolute Khushwant: The Low-Down on Life, Death & Most Things In-Between”, he remarked: “I believe Manmohan is the best prime minister we have had. I would even rate him higher than Nehru.” Khushwant Singh admired Dr. Singh’s humility, noting his modest upbringing and unwavering commitment to India’s progress. He recounted an anecdote from the 1999 South Delhi election, where Dr. Singh, after losing the election, personally returned Rs. 2 lakh that had been borrowed for campaign expenses, exemplifying his honesty and ethical conduct.
A Legacy of Integrity and Vision
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s life was a testament to integrity, humility, and visionary leadership. His contributions to India’s economic development, technological advancements, and his commitment to inclusive growth have left an indelible mark on the nation. As India mourns his passing, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Pictures Courtesy: Indian Express and Getty Images