Manmohan Singh: A Life of Contributions

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Published on : 28 Dec, 24 05:12

By Dr. Kamal Singh Rathore, Bhupal Nobles University, Udaipur

Early Life and Education
Manmohan Singh was born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan). After the partition of India in 1947, his family migrated to India. Singh pursued economics at Punjab University, Chandigarh, and later at Cambridge and Oxford universities. He graduated in economics from St. John’s College, Cambridge, in 1957. He returned to India to teach at Punjab University and later completed his DPhil at Oxford University’s Nuffield College in 1960. Known as one of India’s top economists, Singh’s contributions have been internationally recognized, with scholarships named after him at prestigious universities like Cambridge.

Career Highlights
Manmohan Singh began his career as a lecturer at Punjab University. Between 1966 and 1969, he worked with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). He served as an advisor in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry before joining the central government in 1971. Singh’s 53-year-long career spanned roles in bureaucracy and politics, culminating in his tenure as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014.

Singh is credited with pulling India out of a severe economic crisis through liberalization policies. Remarkably, he is the only Indian Prime Minister whose signature appeared on the country’s currency notes. Despite his vast contributions, Singh initially declined an offer from India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, to join the government in 1962.

Notable Positions Held

Chief Economic Advisor (1972–1976)
Governor, Reserve Bank of India (1982–1985)
Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission (1985–1987)
Finance Minister (1991–1996)
Prime Minister (2004–2014)

As India’s first and only Sikh Prime Minister, Singh was also the only PM who never won a direct popular election. His premiership focused on economic reforms, foreign policy, and governance, leaving an enduring legacy.

Economic Reforms and Legacy
As Finance Minister, Singh ended the License Raj, reduced state control, and opened India’s economy to globalization, transitioning it from a socialist to a capitalist model. His government also passed transformative laws like the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and the Right to Information Act.

Foreign Policy
Singh maintained pragmatic foreign policies initiated by his predecessors, improving relations with neighboring countries like Pakistan and China. He also strengthened ties with the United States, notably signing the 2008 India-U.S. Civil Nuclear Agreement.

Personal Life
Married to Gursharan Kaur, Singh has three daughters. Known for his humility and honesty, Singh maintained a grounded lifestyle, often reflecting on his connection to the common man. His blue turban symbolized his respect for Cambridge University, his alma mater.

During a crucial vote in Parliament, Singh’s commitment to democracy was evident when he attended the session in a wheelchair, earning praise from then-opposition leader Narendra Modi.

In 2019, a film titled The Accidental Prime Minister, based on a book by Sanjaya Baru, showcased Singh’s tenure as PM, with actor Anupam Kher portraying him.

Awards and Achievements

Padma Vibhushan (1987)
Outstanding Parliamentarian Award (2002)
AsiaMoney Award for Finance Minister of the Year (1993–1994)
Order of King Abdulaziz (Saudi Arabia, 2010)
Order of the Paulownia Flowers (Japan, 2014)
Nikkei Asia Prize for Regional Growth (1997)
World Statesman Award (2010)

Books Authored by Dr. Manmohan Singh

Changing India: A five-volume autobiography published in 2019.
The Quest for Equity in Development (1986): Discusses economics, social justice, and poverty.
Chile: Institutions and Policies Underpinning Stability and Growth (2004).
Making Democracy Work for the Pro-Poor (2003).
To the Nation, For the Nation (2006): Highlights Singh’s speeches and patriotic fervor.

Conclusion
Manmohan Singh was a visionary economist with a profound understanding of India's future and its political realities. His collaboration with Prime Minister Narasimha Rao laid the foundation for India’s modern economy. Singh’s dedication to public service and economic reform continues to shape India’s policies and inspire future leaders. His legacy is a testament to his contributions to the nation’s progress.

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