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Manmohan Singh, the visionary economist and India’s understated yet impactful prime minister, passes away at 92.

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Manmohan Singh, often referred to as the “reluctant king” during his initial tenure as prime minister, passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at the age of 92, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi. Known for his soft-spoken demeanor, Singh left an indelible mark on India’s political and economic landscape, steering the nation through transformative growth and shaping its modern trajectory.

As the nation’s first Sikh prime minister, Singh led from 2004 to 2014, a rare two-term tenure. Under his leadership, India witnessed remarkable economic transformation, with rapid growth that helped lift hundreds of millions out of extreme poverty. Singh had been receiving treatment for age-related health issues in his later years.

“India has lost one of its most distinguished leaders,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in tribute to Dr. Manmohan Singh.

“Manmohan Singh Ji led India with immense wisdom and integrity. His humility and profound understanding of economics were a source of inspiration for the entire nation,” stated Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader and a key figure of the opposition.I have lost a mentor and guide, and millions of us who deeply admired him will forever remember him with the utmost pride,” he added.

Born into a humble family in a region of British-ruled India that is now part of Pakistan, Singh overcame adversity, studying by candlelight to secure a place at Cambridge University. He later pursued his doctoral studies at Oxford, where he wrote a groundbreaking thesis on the role of exports and free trade in India’s economy.

A revered economist, Singh served as the governor of India’s central bank and as a trusted government adviser. His transition into politics came unexpectedly in 1991 when he was chosen to serve as finance minister, a role in which he would leave a lasting legacy.

In 1991, economic reforms were introduced by Manmohan Singh as finance minister, which shifted India from a socialist-patterned economy to a capitalist model. These measures were implemented to address a severe balance of payments crisis and avert a potential economic collapse.

Numerous accolades were awarded to Singh during his career, including the Padma Vibhushan in 1987, the Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary Award in 1995, and the Asia Money Award for Finance Minister of the Year in 1993 and 1994.

A long tenure in India’s Upper House of Parliament was held by Singh, during which he served as the leader of the opposition from 1998 to 2004, prior to being named the country’s first Sikh prime minister. A historic apology for the 1984 Sikh Massacre was made by him in Parliament, acknowledging the tragedy in which around 3,000 Sikhs were killed following Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination by her Sikh bodyguards.

Under Singh’s leadership, the landmark Right to Information Act of 2005 was passed to improve government accountability and transparency. The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act was also implemented under his administration, guaranteeing at least 100 days of paid work for rural citizens.

A coalition government was led by Singh for a decade, bringing together parties with diverse and often opposing ideologies. His efforts to end India’s nuclear isolation were recognized as a significant achievement when a pivotal agreement was signed with the United States, granting India access to American nuclear technology. However, domestic opposition to the deal was faced, and the withdrawal of support by Communist allies occurred in 2008.

Efforts to pursue peace with Pakistan were made by Singh, though these were set back by the 2008 Mumbai attacks carried out by Pakistani militants. Attempts to resolve the border dispute with China were also made, resulting in the reopening of the Nathu La pass into Tibet after more than four decades.

A book titled India’s Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth was authored by Singh in 1965, which examined India’s inward-focused trade policies.

Dr. Singh is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and their three daughters.

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