New Delhi : Dr. Manmohan Singh, the 14th Prime Minister of India and a revered economist, passed away at the age of 92. Singh breathed his last on Thursday evening at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, where he was admitted to the emergency department earlier that day. Hospital sources confirmed that despite administering CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
A Life of Service and Scholarship
Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah village, West Punjab (now in Pakistan), Dr. Singh’s life was marked by exceptional dedication to public service and intellectual achievements. He pursued a Master’s degree in Economics from Panjab University, Chandigarh, and later earned a doctorate from the University of Oxford.
Architect of India’s Economic Reforms
Dr. Singh is widely regarded as the architect of India’s landmark economic reforms initiated in the early 1990s. As Finance Minister under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, he ushered in liberalization policies that transformed India’s economy and paved the way for unprecedented growth.
During his tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, Dr. Singh played a pivotal role in steering India through global economic crises while launching flagship social welfare programs, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Right to Information Act.
Tributes Pour In
As news of his demise spread, tributes poured in from leaders across political and global spectrums. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Singh as a “towering statesman” whose contributions would remain etched in the nation’s history. Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, under whose leadership Singh served as Prime Minister, called his death an “irreparable loss to the nation.”
Former US President Barack Obama, who shared a close rapport with Dr. Singh, stated:
“Dr. Manmohan Singh was a beacon of integrity and wisdom. His leadership elevated India’s global stature and strengthened ties between our nations.”
Legacy of Humility and Vision
Dr. Singh’s tenure was characterized by his humble demeanor and unwavering commitment to India’s progress. Known for his soft-spoken yet firm approach, he often avoided political theatrics, focusing instead on policy-driven governance.
His role in strengthening Indo-US relations, fostering economic partnerships with Southeast Asia, and advocating for a nuclear deal with the United States remain pivotal chapters in India’s modern history.
Final Journey
The body of Dr. Singh will be placed at his residence in New Delhi for public homage. The state funeral will be held tomorrow, with full honors, at the Lodhi Road crematorium.
India mourns the loss of a leader who combined intellect with integrity and leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.