AsiaBusiness

Manmohan Singh Remembered: India’s Economic Architect Laid to Rest

As the sun set over the bustling streets of New Delhi, a nation paused to honor one of its most distinguished leaders. Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister who guided India through a transformative era of economic reform, was laid to rest with a state funeral befitting his immense contributions to the country he loved.

Singh, who passed away at the age of 91, served as India’s 14th Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014. A soft-spoken economist with a keen intellect and unwavering integrity, he played a pivotal role in liberalizing India’s economy and ushering in an era of unprecedented growth.

A Life Dedicated to Service

Born in 1932 in the Punjab village of Gah, now part of Pakistan, Manmohan Singh’s journey was one of quiet determination and unwavering commitment to his principles. A brilliant student, he excelled academically, earning a doctorate in economics from Oxford University.

Singh’s entry into politics came in the 1990s when, as Finance Minister under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, he engineered a series of bold economic reforms that opened India’s markets to the world. His policies laid the foundation for India’s emergence as a global economic powerhouse.

“He was not just a Prime Minister, but a thinker and a scholar.”

-Sonia Gandhi, Former President of the Indian National Congress

An Architect of India’s Economic Transformation

As Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh continued his mission to modernize India’s economy. He championed the historic India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, ending India’s nuclear isolation and cementing its status as a responsible nuclear power.

Under Singh’s steady hand, India weathered the 2008 global financial crisis better than most, maintaining impressive growth rates while much of the world stagnated. His government also implemented landmark social welfare programs, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, which provided a safety net for millions of India’s poorest citizens.

A Humble Statesman

Despite his towering achievements, Manmohan Singh remained a model of humility and grace throughout his life. A devout Sikh, his quiet strength and unimpeachable character earned him the respect of allies and adversaries alike.

“In his death, our country has lost a great son and an exemplary leader.”

-Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

As the nation bid a solemn farewell to this gentle giant of Indian politics, the legacy he leaves behind is immeasurable. Manmohan Singh’s vision and leadership transformed India, lifting millions out of poverty and setting the stage for its ascent as a 21st-century superpower.

A Legacy That Will Endure

While the state funeral in New Delhi marked the end of an era, Manmohan Singh’s impact on India will endure. His quiet revolution, guided by a steadfast belief in the power of economic liberalization to uplift the nation, has left an indelible mark on the country he served with such distinction.

As India continues its march into the future, it does so on the sturdy foundation laid by Manmohan Singh – a visionary leader, a brilliant mind, and above all, a true patriot who dedicated his life to the service of his nation.