Manmohan Singh Death, Former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, passes away at 92 On December 26, 2024, India lost one of its most respected leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh, at the age of 92. The former Prime Minister was admitted to AIIMS, Delhi, after his health deteriorated. Despite medical intervention, he breathed his last in the late evening, marking the end of an era in Indian politics.
A Brief Overview of Dr. Manmohan Singh’s Life and Legacy
Early Life and Education:
Dr. Manmohan Singh was born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, a small village in present-day Pakistan. A distinguished economist, he pursued his higher education at prestigious institutions:
Punjab University (Economics)
University of Cambridge (Master’s in Economics)
University of Oxford (Doctorate in International Trade)
His academic brilliance earned him recognition as a global economist, setting the foundation for his later political career.
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s Political Career
Finance Minister (1991-1996)
Dr. Singh’s tenure as Finance Minister in the P.V. Narasimha Rao government was a turning point for India’s economy. Amidst a severe financial crisis, he introduced revolutionary economic reforms, including:
Economic Liberalization: Opening up India’s markets to global investors.
Privatization: Reducing government control over industries.
Globalization: Integrating India into the world economy.
These measures not only stabilized India’s economy but also paved the way for sustained growth in the years to come.
Prime Minister (2004-2014)
As the 14th Prime Minister of India, Dr. Singh led the nation for a decade. His leadership was marked by:
Economic Growth: India witnessed consistent GDP growth during his tenure.
Social Welfare Programs: Initiatives like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) uplifted millions of people from poverty.
Landmark Nuclear Deal: The India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement strengthened India’s global standing in energy and diplomacy.
Condolences from Leaders Across the Globe
Following the news of Dr. Singh’s demise, tributes poured in from across the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, calling him a “visionary leader” whose contributions to the nation will be remembered forever.
Prominent political figures, economists, and global leaders highlighted his humility, intellect, and dedication to the betterment of society.
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s Awards and Recognition
Padma Vibhushan (1987): India’s second-highest civilian award.
Numerous honorary doctorates from global universities.
Recognized as one of the key architects of modern India’s economic policies.
Dr. Singh’s leadership was a blend of intellect, humility, and determination. Known for his soft-spoken demeanor, he remained above controversies and focused on the country’s progress. His economic reforms not only pulled India out of crisis but also laid the groundwork for its emergence as a global power.