Mourning the Passing of Manmohan Singh: A Tribute to India’s Economic Architect
NEW DELHI, Dec 27 (Bernama) — India mourned the passing of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, remembering his legacy of transforming the country’s economy.
Early Life and Career
Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah village in Chakwal in the undivided Punjab, Singh belonged to the Sikh religious community. He earned a degree in economics from the University of Cambridge in Britain and later a D.Phil in economics from Nuffield College at Oxford University in 1962. He taught at universities in India and served in various government positions, including as governor of the Reserve Bank of India.
Economic Reforms
As finance minister between 1991 and 1996, Singh introduced economic reforms, which were credited with the economic recovery and ushering in a new era in which India became better integrated with the global economy. His reforms included the liberalization of industries, the opening up of foreign investment, and the reduction of government controls.
Prime Ministership
Singh served as prime minister for 10 years until May 2014 as head of the Congress party-led coalition government. He was a soft-spoken intellectual and respected for his integrity, a quality that transcended party lines.
Tributes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Singh, describing him as one of India’s most distinguished leaders. "Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years. His interventions in Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives," he said.
Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Opposition in the lower house of parliament, described Singh as a leader who led India with "immense wisdom and integrity".
Legacy
Singh’s legacy is marked by his economic reforms, which have been credited with India’s rise as an economic power and creating a new generation of Indian billionaires. However, his government faced criticism over mega scandals that emerged during his tenure. Despite this, Singh is personally considered clean, and his respect and admiration have grown in recent years.
Personal Life
Singh is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and three daughters.
Conclusion
Manmohan Singh’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian politics and economics. His legacy will be remembered for generations to come, and his contributions to India’s economic growth and development will be celebrated for years to come.
FAQs
Q: What were Manmohan Singh’s key economic reforms?
A: Singh introduced reforms such as liberalization of industries, opening up foreign investment, and reducing government controls.
Q: How long did Manmohan Singh serve as prime minister?
A: He served as prime minister for 10 years until May 2014.
Q: What was Manmohan Singh’s role in India’s economic growth?
A: Singh’s economic reforms were credited with India’s economic recovery and growth, making it a major player in the global economy.
Q: What was Manmohan Singh’s personal character?
A: Singh was known for his soft-spoken nature, integrity, and respect for him transcending party lines.