Dr. Manmohan Singh, renowned economist and former Prime Minister of India, passed away today, December 26, at the age of 92 in New Delhi. A statement from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences confirmed that Singh was admitted earlier in the day after a sudden loss of consciousness. He is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and daughters Upinder, Daman, and Amrit Singh.
Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah (now in Pakistan), Singh overcame early personal tragedy, losing his mother during childhood. He pursued higher education at Panjab University, St. John’s College, Cambridge, and Nuffield College, Oxford, where his doctoral thesis focused on India’s export performance.
Singh’s illustrious career began in academia before transitioning to public service. He served as Chief Economic Adviser in 1972 and later as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India in 1982. However, his pivotal moment came in 1991 when Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao appointed him Finance Minister amidst a looming economic crisis. Singh’s bold liberalization policies opened India’s economy, earning him international acclaim. Quoting Victor Hugo, he declared during his reforms, “No power on Earth can stop an idea whose time has come.”
Singh served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, becoming the first Sikh to hold the office. Known for his personal integrity, he led India through a decade of economic transformation. His tenure saw India emerge as a founding member of the BRICS group, sign a landmark nuclear deal with the U.S., and enhance its global stature.
Despite his achievements, Singh faced criticism during his second term for perceived inefficacy and slowing reforms. Nonetheless, his legacy as the architect of India’s economic modernization remains intact.
Tributes poured in following his passing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Singh’s rise from humble beginnings and his contributions to India’s progress. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi remembered him as a mentor, praising his wisdom and integrity.
In his memoir A Promised Land, former U.S. President Barack Obama described Singh as “wise, thoughtful, and scrupulously honest,” recalling a private conversation during a 2010 visit to India. Singh, aware of rising nationalist trends, expressed concern about the intoxicating nature of religious and ethnic solidarity in uncertain times.
Singh’s policies during his premiership set India on the path of globalization while addressing key issues like poverty and infrastructure. His vision continues to inspire generations, cementing his place as one of India’s most distinguished leaders.
India mourns the loss of a statesman whose vision and dedication reshaped the nation.
