Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, a distinguished economist and statesman, passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92.
Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Dr. Singh’s journey from a modest village to the highest echelons of Indian politics is a testament to his dedication and intellect.
Dr. Singh’s academic prowess was evident early on. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Economics from Panjab University, followed by an Economics Tripos from the University of Cambridge in 1957. He later obtained a Doctorate in Economics from the University of Oxford in 1962. His scholarly achievements laid a strong foundation for his future roles in shaping India’s economic landscape.
In 1991, as India faced a severe economic crisis, Dr Singh was appointed as the Union Finance Minister by then-Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. He introduced a series of economic reforms that liberalized the Indian economy, steering the country towards a path of rapid growth and globalization. His tenure as Finance Minister is often credited with transforming India’s economic framework and opening it up to the global market.
In 2004, Dr. Singh became the 13th Prime Minister of India, serving two consecutive terms until 2014. He was the first Sikh to hold the office and the first Prime Minister since Jawaharlal Nehru to be re-elected after completing a full five-year term. During his premiership, India witnessed significant economic growth, the implementation of key legislations like the Right to Information Act, and the landmark Indo-US nuclear deal.
Beyond his political and economic contributions, Dr. Singh was known for his humility, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the nation’s progress. His calm demeanour and scholarly approach to governance earned him respect across the political spectrum.
Dr Singh’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian politics. His legacy as a reformer and visionary leader will continue to inspire future generations. The nation mourns the loss of a true statesman who dedicated his life to the service of India.
ManmohanSingh #DrManmohanSingh #RIPManmohanSingh
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