Manmohan Singh

Biography

Manmohan Singh (26 September 1932 – 26 December 2024), one of India’s most celebrated economists and statesmen, was born on 26 September 1932 in Gah, Punjab, which is now part of Pakistan. His early life was shaped by the socio-political upheavals of pre-Partition India. Born into a modest Sikh family, Singh’s formative years were marked by dedication to academics and an innate resilience. The Partition of India in 1947 forced his family to migrate to Amritsar, Punjab, where they started anew.

Singh’s exceptional academic aptitude led him to pursue a degree in Economics from Punjab University, Chandigarh, where he graduated at the top of his class in 1952. He continued his studies at the University of Cambridge, earning a First Class Honours degree in Economics in 1957. He further pursued a doctorate at Nuffield College, Oxford, completing his thesis titled India's Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth in 1962. His doctoral work gained international recognition and remains a key contribution to development economics.

Academic and Professional Career

Before entering politics, Singh had a distinguished career as an economist and academician. He held teaching positions at institutions like:

Punjab University (Professor of Economics).
Delhi School of Economics, where he mentored future economists and policy-makers.

He transitioned into public service and held critical roles, including:

Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India (1972-1976).
Secretary, Ministry of Finance (1976-1980).
Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (1982-1985), where he played a crucial role in stabilizing India's monetary system.
Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission (1985-1987).

These roles laid the foundation for Singh’s extensive understanding of India’s economic structure, preparing him for his defining role as Finance Minister in the 1990s.

Role as Finance Minister

Manmohan Singh’s tenure as Finance Minister of India (1991-1996) under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao marked a turning point in the nation’s economic history. India faced a financial crisis, with dwindling foreign exchange reserves and a high fiscal deficit. Singh’s bold and transformative policies are credited with liberalizing the Indian economy. His reforms included:

The devaluation of the Indian rupee will make exports competitive.
Reduction of import tariffs will open India up to global trade.
Encouraging foreign direct investment (FDI) to stimulate economic growth.
Dismantling the License Raj, reducing bureaucratic controls over industries.

These measures helped India avert a crisis, set the stage for sustained economic growth, and integrated the country into the global economy.

Political Leadership as Prime Minister

Manmohan Singh served as India’s 13th Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, leading the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) coalition government. He was the first Sikh to hold the office of Prime Minister and remained a symbol of integrity and intellectual acumen. His tenure witnessed significant achievements, including:

Economic Growth: India achieved impressive GDP growth rates, cementing its position as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
Social Welfare Initiatives:
- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): Ensuring employment and income security in rural areas.
- Right to Information Act (RTI): Enhancing transparency and accountability in governance.
- National Rural Health Mission (NRHM): Improving healthcare access for rural populations.
India-U.S. Civil Nuclear Agreement: This landmark agreement ended India’s nuclear isolation, allowing it to access nuclear technology and fuel for peaceful purposes.
Urban Development Initiatives: Programs like the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) are aimed at improving urban infrastructure.

However, Singh’s tenure was not without challenges. His government faced criticism for its handling of corruption scandals during UPA’s second term, including the 2G spectrum allocation case and Commonwealth Games scams. Despite these setbacks, Singh retained respect for his integrity.

Post-Prime Ministerial Life

After stepping down in 2014, Singh largely retreated from active politics but continued to contribute through his writings and occasional public appearances. He remains a respected voice on economic and political issues, advocating for inclusive development and social justice.

Personal Life

Manmohan Singh is married to Gursharan Kaur, a devoted partner throughout his career. The couple has three daughters: Upinder, Daman, and Amrit Singh. Singh is known for leading a simple, disciplined, and scholarly life, often avoiding political theatrics.

Awards and Honors

Padma Vibhushan (1987): India’s second-highest civilian award, for his contributions to public service.
Numerous honorary doctorates from prestigious institutions worldwide, including Cambridge University and Oxford University.
Recognized globally for his role in modernizing India’s economy.

Legacy

Manmohan Singh’s legacy is that of a visionary economist, a quiet yet effective leader, and a man of unshakable integrity. His contributions as Finance Minister and Prime Minister have left an indelible mark on India’s economic and political landscape. While often criticized for his reserved demeanor, Singh’s intellectual depth and unwavering commitment to the nation have earned him a place among India’s most respected leaders.

Illness and death

Manmohan Singh faced several health challenges during his later years. He underwent multiple cardiac bypass surgeries, the most recent in January 2009. In May 2020, he was hospitalized at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) due to an adverse reaction to medication. Again, in October 2021, Singh was admitted to AIIMS following episodes of weakness and fever.

On 26 December 2024, Singh collapsed at his New Delhi residence and was rushed to the emergency department of AIIMS, suffering from complications related to heart disease and age-related issues. Despite medical intervention, he passed away later that day at the age of 92.

To honor his memory, the Indian government declared a period of national mourning until 1 January 2025 and announced a state funeral in recognition of his immense contributions to the nation.