Former PM Manmohan Singh Passes Away

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Dr. Manmohan Singh, 1932-2024

Dr. Manmohan Singh, a learned economist who studied both at Cambridge and Oxford Universities (completing his D. Phil at the latter) who became India’s thirteenth Prime minster and India’s first Sikh Prime Minister passed away from what his supervising physician called “age related ailments” last night at age ninety-two. After falling unconscious at home, he was taken to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences hospital in New Delhi but was not able to be revived.

Following Singh’s loss of life, the Central government declared a seven-day mourning suspending all official functions. During this period, the National Flag of India known as the “Tricolour” will be flown at half-mast on government buildings out of respect for Singh’s passing.

Singh was known as “the reluctant king” for being almost drafted into the role of Prime Minister after Congress along with coalition partners pulled off a surprise upset of the National Democratic Alliance led by the BJP in the national election of 2004. The coalition needed a credible leadership candidate, and the President of the Congress party, which led the coalition, Sonia Gandhi was deemed unqualified and had security concerns surrounding her, her son Rahul seen as too inexperienced.  Singh, supremely qualified, was well-respected across party lines and had already distinguished himself in public service, ultimately serving two terms comprising a tenure spanning a decade.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Health Minister JP Nadda all went to Dr. Singh’s residence where the body was lying in wait to pay their final respects to the former Prime Minister.

Taking to the microblogging platform, “X” (formerly Twitter) to express his sentiments, Prime Minister modi stated, “India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist.” He added that Singh served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister,” leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years. His interventions in Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives.”

As stated by Modi, Singh not only served as India’s Prime Minister,  but also as former governor of the Reserve Bank of India and India’s most transformative Finance Minister, he became one of the most influential architects of the country’s economic liberalization.

A towering figure in Indian politics and economics, Dr. Singh’s contributions as both Prime Minister and Finance Minister under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao played a pivotal role in shaping modern India.

India’s First Sikh Prime Minister: A Symbol of Representation

Dr. Manmohan Singh made history when he became India’s 14th Prime Minister in 2004, serving two consecutive terms until 2014. As the first Sikh to hold the nation’s highest executive office, his ascent was a moment of immense pride for India’s Sikh community, showcasing the country’s pluralistic and inclusive democratic fabric. Known for his quiet dignity, erudition, and technocratic expertise, Dr. Singh commanded respect across party lines and on the global stage.

Reflection of his Generation:

Exemplifying the sacrifice for which his generation of Indians were known, Singh was born fifteen years before India’s Independence on 26th of September, 1932 into a poor family in a region of British-ruled India that is now part of Pakistan. His family crossed the border after partition, leaving their home and life behind like during the largest migration in human history.

Manmohan Singh overcame immense hardships, apparently studying by candlelight late into the night to earn, against the odds, a place at the UK’s prestigious Cambridge University. He later went on to equally esteemed University of Oxford, where he earned a Doctor of Philosophy, his thesis topic covering the role of exports and free trade in shaping India’s economy. The concepts developed during these formative years would shape his approach to economic policy in public life.

The Reformer: Finance Minister in P.V. Narasimha Rao’s Cabinet

Long before he became Prime Minister, Dr. Singh cemented his legacy as the architect of India’s economic liberalization during his tenure as Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996 under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. At a time when India was on the brink of an economic collapse, with dwindling foreign reserves and mounting debt, Singh presented a bold vision that transformed the country’s economic trajectory.

Faced with the prospect of economic collapse, the economist, Singh, spearheaded a series of groundbreaking reforms completely revolutionized the Indian economy, changing the county’s fortunes for the better – a trajectory that has never reversed. These included:

• Dismantling the License Raj: He drastically reduced bureaucratic controls and red tape, allowing businesses greater freedom to operate.
• Foreign Investment Reforms: Singh opened the Indian economy to foreign direct investment (FDI), attracting global companies and increasing India’s integration into the global economy.
• Trade Liberalization: He reduced import tariffs and promoted exports, moving India away from protectionism to a more open-market system.
• Financial Sector Reforms: Singh introduced policies to modernize India’s banking and financial systems, laying the foundation for sustained economic growth.

His famous quote from Victor Hugo during his first budget speech in 1991 still resonates: “No power on Earth can stop an idea whose time has come.” These reforms not only helped avert an economic crisis but also unleashed India’s potential, transforming it into one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

The Prime Minister: A Decade of Leadership

As Finance Minister Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh oversaw a period of significant economic growth, which, due to resistance within the Nehru-Gandhi family who helmed the Congress Party despite Singh holding the post of Prime Minister, restrained his economic intentions due to political reasons (the Congress Party operated as part of a coalition of left-wing parties, which opposed many of the capitalist inclinations of Singh) while he was Prime Minister. He, ironically, was not able to match his impressive economic record as Finance Minister while holding the top spot in government. This ushered in a period of economic stagnation during his tenure as PM. However, economics aside, Singh’s tenure was distinguished by his geopolitical engagement, and focus on social welfare reforms. Some of his notable accomplishments include:

1. Sustained Economic Growth: Under his leadership, India experienced rapid economic growth, consistently achieving annual GDP growth rates of over 8%. This growth helped lift millions of Indians out of poverty and solidified the country’s status as an emerging economic powerhouse.
2. Civil Nuclear Agreement with the United States: Singh’s leadership was instrumental in securing the historic India-U.S. Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008. This agreement ended India’s nuclear isolation and paved the way for its integration into the global nuclear order, boosting energy security and enhancing strategic ties with the U.S. Notably, the Congress Party in their left wing coalition let by Sonia and Rahul Gandhi was opposed to the nuclear deal. Singh said he would resign if the government didn’t go forward. It was a marked step forward for Singh in his leadership of the government as he stood up to those who had been wielding power form behind to keep the fragile political alliance that kept Singh’s government in power, and cemented his credentials as a leader.
3. Rural Development Initiatives: Dr. Singh’s government introduced landmark social programs, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which provided millions of rural Indians with guaranteed employment and improved rural infrastructure.
4. Focus on Education and Health: His administration expanded access to education through initiatives like the Right to Education Act and increased investments in healthcare infrastructure.
5. Champion of Global Multilateral Diplomacy: Known for his calm and composed demeanor, Singh strengthened India’s position on the global stage. He forged strong partnerships with countries like the U.S., Russia, and China, while advocating for developing nations in multilateral forums like the G20.

A Legacy of Humility and Service

Despite his monumental achievements, Dr. Singh demonstrated humility and simplicity amidst an unwavering commitment to public service. Soft-spoken and never bellicose, he avoided political demagoguery and preferred to let his work speak for itself. However, his tenure as Prime Minister was not without challenges. His second term (2009–2014) was marred by corruption scandals involving his coalition government, which overshadowed some of his accomplishments and contributed to his party’s electoral defeat in 2014.

Tributes to the late Prime Minister

As news of Dr. Manmohan Singh’s passing spread, leaders from across the political spectrum, global dignitaries, and citizens expressed their condolences and paid tribute to his towering legacy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked, “Dr. Manmohan Singh’s contributions to India’s economic and political landscape will be remembered for generations. He was a statesman, a reformer, and a true servant of the people.”

Former U.S. President George W. Bush also reflected on his amity with Singh, calling him a “man of wisdom and integrity who played a vital role in strengthening India’s ties with the world.”

Current US Secretary of State Antony Blinken paid tribute to the former PM, stating that he was a “champion of the India-US Strategic Partnership.”

In a post on “X”, former Prime Minister of Canada Harper recalled Singh as a leader of “exceptional intelligence, integrity, and wisdom.”

Russian ambassador Denis Apollo credited Singh with strengthening bilateral ties with Russia, remarking that, “Dr Manmohan Singh’s contribution to our bilateral ties was immeasurable. His suave demeanour was always was endearing as was unquestionable his expertise as an economist and commitment to the progress of India.”

The End of an Era

Dr. Manmohan Singh was perhaps the last of the technocratic breed of political leader, with populism, now dominating Indian politics.

His life epitomized the story of post-colonial India: from humble beginnings in a small village in Punjab to becoming one of the most respected leaders on the global stage. His contributions as an economist, reformer, and statesman have left an indelible mark on the country.

As India mourns the loss of a visionary leader, it also celebrates the legacy of a man who transformed its economy, strengthened its democracy, and upheld the ideals of humility and service. Dr. Manmohan Singh will forever be remembered as the father of India’s economic reforms and a symbol of the possibilities that come with courage, intellect, and conviction.