Former PM Manmohan Singh dies at 92

India’s 14th Prime Minister and the architect of its economic liberalization Dr. Manmohan Singh passed away at the age of 92 on December 26, 2024. At All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. Dr Manmohan Singh was suffering from age related illness and was brought to hospital at 8:06 PM in critical condition, following a sudden loss of consciousness and he was declared dead at 9:51 PM despite doctors' efforts to save him.

Educational Journey

Dr. Manmohan Singh was born on 26 September 1932, in Gah village of undivided Punjab, Singh ‘s journey from a small-town student to India 's top leadership position, showcases excellence and dedication. Dr. Manmohan Singh 's educational journey took him from Punjab University to prestigious institution like Cambridge University, where he earned first class honors in economics in 1957 and Oxford University, he completed his D. Phil in 1962. Before entering into politics Manmohan Singh role was evident at Punjab University, Delhi School of Economics and International organizations like UNCTAD.  

Singh’s careers include roles as Economic Advisor in the Commerce ministry (1971), RBI Governor (1982-1985) and deputy Chairman of Planning Commission (1985-1987). He had also served as Secretary General of the South commission in Geneva in (1987-1990). 

The most critical moment of his career came in 1991 while serving as Finance Minister under the leadership of Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao. The Indian economy was on the brink of economic collapse, he steered India through its worst economic crisis. His response was bold and transformative. His policies like abolishing industrial licensing, opening up the private sector and welcoming foreign investment transformed India’s economic landscape and earned him the title of "Father of Indian Reforms" from former President Pranab Mukherjee. 

Singh as Prime Minister

Singh 's tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 was marked by significant achievements. India maintained an impressive 8.5% GDP growth for most of the decade. His government has introduced some landmark initiatives, including the right to education, right to information and NREGA (National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) . The 2008 Indo US nuclear deal was perhaps his boldest move and ended India’s nuclear isolation despite strong political opposition. 

Although during his second term as Prime Minister, he faced critical challenges, including corruption allegations surrounding the commonwealth games and 2G spectrum allocation, critics around the country labelled him as a weak prime minister and questioned his relationship with Congress leadership, particularly after Rahul Gandhi ‘s public criticism of a Cabinet ordinance in 2013. However, Singh 's integrity remained unquestioned through his career. He used to say, "I speak less but I never lie to my country.'' 

Parliamentary Career

Manmohan Singh's 33-year Parliamentary career beginning in 1991 as a Rajya Sabha Member from Assam was marked by his determination and integrity. Though he never won a Lok Sabha election, losing his only attempt from South Delhi in 1998. His impact on India 's economic and political landscape remains indelible. The government has announced full state honors for his funeral with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to chair a special cabinet meeting to pass a condolence resolution. 

Apart from his economic reforms his simple lifestyle, intellectual depth and commitment to national interest earned him respect across political lines. 

Tributes pour in

President Draupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge lead the nation in paying tributes to Dr Singh. Everyone acknowledged his immense contribution to nation building and his rise from humble origins to becoming India’s most distinguished leader. His legacy as an economist reformer and statesmen will continue to influence India’s journey towards economic prosperity and social progress.