Manmohan Singh, Architect of India’s Economic Transformation, Visionary Economist, and Statesman of Unmatched Integrity Passes Away at 92
A Visionary Leader and Economist Remembered for Transforming India
Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, celebrated for his pivotal role in steering India’s economic reforms and securing its position as a global economic powerhouse, has passed away at the age of 92.
The news was confirmed by current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed condolences on the social media platform X, saying,
“India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives.”
A Legacy of Leadership and Integrity
Singh, who served as India’s prime minister from 2004 to 2014, was instrumental in shaping the nation’s economic trajectory. His first term saw remarkable nine-percent growth, though his second term was overshadowed by slowing growth and corruption scandals. Despite this, Singh’s leadership remains a hallmark of economic reform and diplomacy.
Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition Congress party, mourned Singh’s passing, calling him “a mentor and guide.” He added,
“Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride.”
President Droupadi Murmu described Singh as a leader known for
“unblemished political life and utmost humility,” while opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge hailed him as “a visionary statesman, economist, and leader of unimpeachable integrity.”
The Economist Who Changed India
Born in 1932 in Gah, now in Pakistan, Singh’s journey from a mud-house village to one of the most powerful offices in the world is a testament to his brilliance and determination. He pursued scholarships to Cambridge and Oxford, earning a PhD in economics, and served in various high-profile roles, including as India’s central bank governor and a United Nations official.
In 1991, during one of India’s worst financial crises, Singh was handpicked by then-Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao to lead economic reforms. His policies paved the way for an economic transformation, and later, as prime minister, he secured a landmark nuclear deal with the United States to address India’s energy needs.
Farewell to a Humble Statesman
Singh’s quiet demeanor earned him the nickname “Mr. Clean,” though his tenure was not without challenges, including allegations of corruption during his second term. After stepping down in 2014 following Congress’s electoral defeat, Singh remained a vocal critic of divisive politics and warned against rising communal tensions.
Singh passed away in New Delhi after losing consciousness at his home. Despite efforts to revive him, doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences pronounced him dead at 9:51 pm local time on Thursday.
India bids farewell to a leader whose life was dedicated to public service, economic reform, and the pursuit of a more equitable society. His legacy will continue to inspire generations.
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