Manmohan Singh Passes Away at 92: Remembering India’s Economic Reformer and Statesman

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thenews21bureau
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Delhi: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, a towering figure in Indian politics and the architect of the 1991 economic reforms, passed away on Thursday, December 26, at the age of 92. Singh, who led India as Prime Minister for two consecutive terms under the Congress-led UPA government (2004-2014), had been unwell for several months. He leaves behind his wife, Gurcharan Singh, and three daughters.

Manmohan Singh will be remembered not just as a leader but as a visionary whose policies transformed India’s economy and set the stage for its rapid growth. Here are 10 remarkable facts about the man who reshaped the nation’s financial landscape:

10 Facts About Manmohan Singh

  1. Trailblazer as Prime Minister: Singh was the first Sikh and the first non-Hindu to serve as the Prime Minister of India. He was also the first Prime Minister, after Jawaharlal Nehru, to be re-elected after completing a full five-year term.
  2. Architect of Economic Reforms: Singh’s leadership as Finance Minister in 1991 brought India back from the brink of bankruptcy. His liberalisation policies dismantled trade barriers, encouraged foreign investments, and reformed the banking system, laying the foundation for India’s modern economy.
  3. Recognition for Financial Stewardship: In 1993, Singh was named “Finance Minister of the Year” by Euromoney and Asiamoney, reflecting his pivotal role in transforming India’s economic fortunes.
  4. Longevity in Office: Singh was India’s fourth longest-serving Prime Minister, following Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Narendra Modi.
  5. A Teacher at Heart: Despite being offered a position in the government by Nehru in 1962, Singh declined, preferring to continue teaching at his college in Amritsar.
  6. A Global Perspective: Singh worked with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) under economist Raul Prebisch between 1966 and 1969. He left the UN to join the Delhi School of Economics, staying true to his passion for academics.
  7. Master of Adaptation: Although Singh could speak Hindi, he relied on speeches written in Urdu during his time as Prime Minister, showcasing his adaptability and humility.
  8. Steady Leadership During Crisis: Singh’s habit of tuning into the BBC every morning proved crucial during the 2004 tsunami. He responded swiftly to the disaster, even before the Prime Minister’s Office was formally alerted.
  9. A Visionary Economist: Beyond politics, Singh’s expertise as an economist was globally acknowledged. His reforms helped shape India’s path to becoming one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
  10. A Life of Simplicity and Integrity: Singh’s tenure and personal life were marked by humility, discipline, and a commitment to public service.

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