• Source:JND
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Manmohan Singh, known as the architect of India's economic reforms, took his last breath on Thursday at AIIMS Delhi. He passed away at the age of 92, leaving behind an enduring legacy. With Singh's departure, India lost one of its greatest politicians of all time.

Manmohan Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister of India was marked by both economic transformation and political challenges. Known as the ‘accidental prime minister’, Singh's rise to the highest office of the country was not through conventional political routes but rather through his remarkable expertise in economics. As the country’s finance minister in the early 1990s, he was the driving force behind India’s historic economic reforms that liberalized its economy and opened up new opportunities. 

Manmohan Singh, born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan), was a distinguished Indian economist and politician, best known for his tenure as the 13th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014. A renowned figure in Indian politics, Singh is widely regarded as the architect of India's economic reforms, which revolutionised the country's economy and positioned it as a global player.

Here is a look at the rich legacy of Manmohan Singh.

Manmohan Singh Education

Singh completed his education at prestigious institutions, earning a degree in Economics from Panjab University, followed by a DPhil from Oxford University. His academic background laid the foundation for his future success as a key policymaker in India. In the early years of his career, Singh worked as an economist in various roles, including with the United Nations and as a professor at Delhi University.

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PM Manmohan Singh as Student of Economics at Panjab University ( Standing In Top Row Second From Right ) (Image credits: PM Museum Delhi)

Manmohan Singh Personal Life

Manmohan Singh married Gursharan Kaur in 1958, and they have three daughters: Upinder Singh, a history professor and author; Daman Singh, an author with degrees from St. Stephen’s College and the Institute of Rural Management; and Amrit Singh, a staff attorney at the ACLU. Singh’s son-in-law, Ashok Pattnaik, an IPS officer, became CEO of NATGRID in 2016. Singh was also a victim of the 1984 Anti-Sikh riots, during which he provided financial support to the Citizens' Relief Committee and controversially apologised on behalf of the Congress for the violence.

Manmohan Singh Family

Manmohan Singh With Wife Gursharan Kaur (Image credits: X@IndiaHistoryPic)

Manmohan Singh Political Career

His political journey began in the 1990s when he became the Finance Minister of India under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. In this capacity, Singh played a pivotal role in initiating bold economic reforms in 1991, which included liberalising the economy, reducing trade barriers, and introducing market-driven policies that transformed India into one of the world's fastest-growing economies.

Singh was later elected as the Prime Minister of India, serving two terms from 2004 to 2014. His leadership was characterised by a focus on inclusive growth, technological innovation, and continued economic liberalisation. 

Architect Of India's Economic Growth

Under his leadership, India saw robust economic growth, expansion of its middle class, and a significant reduction in poverty. Singh's tenure also witnessed advances in sectors like information technology, infrastructure, and foreign relations.

As Finance Minister, Manmohan Singh made the pivotal decision to liberalize India's economy, facing high fiscal and balance of payments deficits, along with dangerously low forex reserves. The situation was critical, leading to the government's first and only request for IMF assistance and the pledge of gold reserves to secure funds.

Singh was known for his calm, dignified, and pragmatic approach to governance, often navigating complex political and economic challenges with a steady hand. Despite his successes, he faced criticism for his perceived lack of political assertiveness and for his handling of certain controversies during his tenure.

In recent years, Singh maintained a relatively low public profile, prioritising his health and family. His contributions to India's development, however, continue to be remembered and revered, making him one of the most respected leaders in Indian history.