The passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh is a profound loss for our nation and my family. A man of exceptional intellect, unwavering integrity, and quiet resolve, he leaves behind a legacy that is etched into the very fabric of India’s modern history. As we mourn his demise, it is only fitting to reflect on the extraordinary life of this humble technocrat who shaped India’s economic and political trajectory.
Born in Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan), in 1932, Dr. Manmohan Singh rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected economists and statesmen of his time. Educated at Cambridge and Oxford, he had a stellar academic career before stepping into public service.
Dr. Singh’s crowning achievement came in 1991 when he, as Finance Minister under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, introduced sweeping economic reforms that liberalized the Indian economy. Facing an unprecedented balance-of-payments crisis, Dr. Singh courageously dismantled the License Raj, opened India to foreign investments, and introduced policies that propelled the country onto a path of rapid economic growth. His reforms not only averted economic collapse but also laid the foundation for India’s emergence as a global economic powerhouse.
In 2004, Dr. Manmohan Singh was sworn in as the Prime Minister of India, becoming the first non-political figure to hold the position. During his decade-long tenure, he spearheaded significant initiatives such as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and the Right to Information Act, which empowered millions of Indians.
Known for his mild demeanour and steadfast focus, Dr. Singh’s leadership was often underappreciated in an era dominated by rhetoric. Yet, his actions spoke louder than words. From managing the 2008 global financial crisis to signing the Indo-U.S. civil nuclear agreement, he navigated India through turbulent times with a calm and steady hand.
Dr. Singh’s tenure was marked by a level of transparency and accountability that modern-day leaders often fall short of. He held more press conferences than our current Prime Minister could dream of, engaging directly with the press and the public. Despite facing criticism, he remained a paragon of humility and civility, setting an example of dignified public service.
Beyond his policy achievements, Dr. Singh possessed a deeply reflective and poetic soul. In one of his memorable moments in Parliament, he recited the lines:
مانا کہ تیری دید کے قابل نہیں ہوں میں
تو میرا شوق دیکھ مرا انتظار دیکھ
maanā ki terī diid ke qābil nahīñ huuñ maiñ
tū merā shauq dekh mirā intizār dekh
These words, imbued with humility and longing, reflect the depth of his character and his profound connection with humanity.
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s life is a testament to what true leadership looks like—one that prioritizes service over self-promotion, action over words, and humility over hubris. His absence leaves a void that will be hard to fill, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
As we bid farewell to this great statesman, let us honour his memory by striving to uphold the values he cherished: integrity, compassion, and a relentless commitment to the betterment of society.
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