India mourns the loss of its only Sikh Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92 on December 26, 2024, in Delhi. The former leader was undergoing treatment at AIIMS, where he breathed his last.
Dr. Singh is widely remembered as the architect of India’s economic liberalization, a transformative period that reshaped the country’s economic landscape. As Union Finance Minister in the PV Narasimha Rao government, he introduced landmark reforms in 1991, ushering in an era of global integration and market-driven growth.
Illustrious Political Career
Dr. Singh retired from the Rajya Sabha in April 2024, concluding a remarkable 33-year tenure. He entered the Upper House in October 1991, shortly after assuming the role of Finance Minister. He served as India’s 14th Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, heading the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) coalition government for two consecutive terms.
Early Life and Contributions
Born on September 26, 1932, in a village in the Punjab province of undivided India, Dr. Singh had an illustrious career in academia and public service.
- Chief Economic Advisor: He held the position of Chief Economic Advisor in the Ministry of Finance in 1972.
- RBI Governor: He served as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India from 1982 to 1985, contributing significantly to India’s financial sector.
- International Contributions: Dr. Singh represented India on various global platforms, advocating for sustainable economic policies and equitable growth.
Legacy
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister is remembered for inclusive growth policies, major social welfare schemes like MGNREGA, and efforts to strengthen India’s global standing. Despite facing criticism, his leadership and integrity earned him respect across political and social spectra.
Nation Pays Tribute
Condolences poured in from leaders and citizens across the country, mourning the loss of a visionary economist and statesman. Dr. Manmohan Singh’s contributions to India’s development will remain a lasting legacy, inspiring generations to come.