Manmohan Singh: the Country’s Economic Foremost Guru

December 27, 2024 Rakesh K. Pandey #FormerprimeMinisterIndia, #IndiaPolitics, #IndiaReformer, #ManmohanSingh, IndianEconomy

A prolific politician and the architect of Indian economic liberalization, Dr. Manmohan Singh, died on 26th December 2024 at the age of 92 because of age-related health issues, as confirmed by News Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences. The Union Government of India announced a seven-day period of national mourning to honor the passing of Dr. Singh, reflecting his immense contribution to India’s progress. Many People of India along with the President and Prime Minister shared their condolences appreciating his contribution for the development of India.

Paid tributes to Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji at his residence. India will forever remember his contribution to our nation. pic.twitter.com/nnNZjiSowN
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 27, 2024

Professional Life as an Economist

It was as an economist that Manmohan Singh embarked on a career, which was to earn him great accolades, due to his outstanding brain and intelligence. As an alumnus from Cambridge and Oxford, he began his career as a professor and subsequently worked as in various organizations including the United Nations and the Reserve Bank of India. During his tenure as the RBI Governor, several important economic policies were executed which provided the basis for strong financial structures in India.

As India’s Finance Minister

In 1991, Singh was appointed Finance Minister by the Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao during the hard times of economic instability, inflation, and unrest. His revolutionary reforms for liberalization made it possible to open India up to the international market. Major transformations were the devaluation of the Indian rupee, the end of the License Raj, and the encouragement of foreign direct investments. Singh’s strategies did not only help India’s economy in averting bankruptcy but also provided a foundation for future economic advancement.

As the Prime Minister of India

Between 2004 and 2014, Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister of India. His term in office witnessed epoch-defining legislation such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and the Right to Information Act. Collaboration was not Singh’s strong point, but he managed to maintain and promote economic growth. His leadership during the great global recession in 2008 attracted much praise for its steadiness and pragmatism.

As India’s Economic Reformer

Singh should be credited in invoking reforms with a trickle-down impact on India’s socio-economic structure. By fostering globalization, Singh realigned Indian IT, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing sectors to flourish. India’s GDP growth and infrastructural expansion are attributed to him and are continued to benefit the nation even now. He envisioned and changed India as an economic giant among nations.

Interaction with Opposition, More Particularly BJP

Interparty relationship of Singh especially with BJP and other opposition leaders was cordial and respectful. Assuming that the two sides had strong ideological variance, Singh’s politics brought him popularity, so to speak, everywhere. His political and diplomatic temper reduced a lot of political heat making him one of the few reasons why political divides were not so deep during his term in power.

Another example of Dr. Manmohan Singh’s relations with other political parties especially the BJP was the way he conducted himself during angry debates in Parliament. Even if the ideological difference was vast, Singh seemed to have maintained a level of courtesy.

In 2008, during the trust vote on the India-US civil nuclear deal, BJP leaders criticized him fiercely. However, Singh managed to focus on the deal and its effects on the country in the future, thereby refraining from muddying the political playground with diatribes against individuals. This earned him grudging respect even from his critics.

Another instance was the recognition of Singh’s achievements by his political opponent, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the Rajya Sabha farewell. In this speech Modi referred to Singh as a talented, educated economist. The two politicians had a political conflict, but this was not an impediment to Singh’s political efforts to unite different parties.

Relationship with the Gandhi-Nehru Family

Manmohan Singh and more specifically Sonia Gandhi shared a symbiotic relationship particularly because he was an economist in a political position which required him to be responsive to the Congress leadership but also provided him with some autonomous power. Singh’s modesty and loyalty contributed greatly to the unity of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA). The relationship of Dr. Singh with Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi was also good; that’s why both paid emotional tribute to Manmohan Singh, remembering his contribution to India’s development.

Few people in politics inspire the kind of respect that Sardar Manmohan Singh ji did.
His honesty will always be an inspiration for us and he will forever stand tall among those who truly love this country as someone who remained steadfast in his commitment to serve the nation… pic.twitter.com/BXA6zHG2Fq
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) December 26, 2024

Foreign Policy Legacy

Singh’s foreign policy as a Prime Minister has been mainly focused on advancing economic diplomacy and building strategic relations in the world. He was instrumental in enhancement of India’s position on the international arena including the civil nuclear agreement with the US. Relations with Pakistan and China in turn encapsulated an element of pragmatism tempered by firmness. He focused on expanding trade and international collaboration in pursuit of a vision of India as a globalized economy.

His Personality: What India Misses

In a world of chaos Dr Manmohan Singh’s quiet strength and resolve stood out. He was a man who displayed nice simplicity, great politeness and firm focus on delivering public services. India shall miss his wise brain, resolute leadership or the quiet force he was in turbulent circumstances. But his contributions will remain for the future generations of leaders and citizens.

Conclusion

A scholar’s grace and a leader’s hand defined Manmohan Singh, who rose from helming the Reserve Bank of India to holding the nation’s highest office. Through economic storms, he steered India with silent strength and a steady gaze, navigating challenges with remarkable composure. A teacher and economist with exceptional skill and a reformer’s heart, served the nation with humility and gentle discretion. His name is revered, and his leadership journey deeply endeared him to millions. Though shadows may fall and time may fade, the contributions of Manmohan Singh will remain etched in India’s history forever.