New Delhi: Former prime minister Manmohan Singh stands as a towering figure in modern India’s history. Known for his profound contributions as an economist, a policy reformer, and a statesman, Singh’s life reflects a relentless pursuit of excellence and service to the nation.
Singh was the first prime minister since Jawaharlal Nehru to be re-elected after serving a full first term. He held the top office from May 2004 to May 2014.
To a generation of Indians, Singh remains the architect of India’s economic reforms. It was Singh and former prime minister P. V. Narasimha Rao who guided the country when foreign exchange reserves were not sufficient to cover even two weeks of imports.
Academic foundations & early career
Singh’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in economics from the Panjab University in 1952 and 1954. He then went on to complete a First Class Honours degree in Economics in 1957 from the University of Cambridge in 1957. Singh then earned a D.Phil in Economics from Oxford University in 1962.
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His career in academia as a teacher took him to Panjab University and the Delhi School of Economics from 1966 to 1971. Singh transitioned into public service in 1971, joining the Government of India as an Economic Advisor in the Ministry of Commerce. Over the next decades, he held pivotal positions, including Chief Economic Advisor (1972), Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (1982–1985), and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission (1985–1987).
From 1987 to 1990, Singh served as Secretary-General of the South Commission in Geneva.
In 1987, Singh was awarded India’s second-highest civilian honour, Padma Vibhushan. Other awards and honours bestowed on him include the Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary Award of the Indian Science Congress (1995); the Asia Money Award for Finance Minister of the Year (1993 and 1994); the Euro Money Award for Finance Minister of the Year (1993), the Adam Smith Prize of the University of Cambridge (1956); and the Wright’s Prize for Distinguished Performance at St. John’s College in Cambridge (1955).
Reformer & leader of nation
The turning point in Singh’s career came in 1991, when he became Finance Minister under then prime minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. As India faced a severe economic crisis, Singh spearheaded landmark liberalisation reforms, including deregulation, reduction of import tariffs, and privatization of state-owned enterprises. These measures fundamentally transformed India’s economy, paving the way for sustained growth and integration into the global market.
On 22 May 2004, Singh was sworn in as India’s 14th Prime Minister, marking a historic moment as the first Sikh to hold the office. His first term witnessed India achieving an average economic growth rate of 7.7 percent. Singh’s administration focused on inclusive growth, enacting transformative laws such as the Right to Information (RTI) Act and the Right to Education (RTE) Act.
Following the Congress party-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) victory in the 2009 general elections, Singh was re-elected for a second term. During his decade-long tenure, India emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, nearly doubling its GDP to two trillion dollars by 2014.
Challenges & criticism
Despite his achievements, Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister was marred by controversies. Corruption scandals, including the Commonwealth Games scam, tainted his government’s image. Additionally, economic challenges like inflation and a slowdown towards the end of his second term drew criticism. His administration was often perceived as indecisive in addressing these crises.
After over three decades in the Rajya Sabha and a career marked by transformative policies and leadership, Singh retired from active politics in 2024. The former prime minister was seen in a wheelchair inside the Rajya Sabha when the Delhi Services Bill was discussed in the House in August 2023. Singh had voted against the bill.
Vartika Singh is an intern with ThePrint
(Edited by Tony Rai)
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