//Manmohan Singh: A Visionary Economist and Statesman//

Manmohan Singh, born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan), was a distinguished Indian economist and politician who served as the 13th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014. He was the first Sikh to hold the country's highest office and was renowned for his economic acumen and integrity.

Early Life and Education

Singh's early life was marked by the partition of India in 1947, which led his family to migrate to Amritsar, India. Despite these challenges, he excelled academically, earning a bachelor's degree in Economics from Panjab University in 1952, followed by a master's degree in 1954. He furthered his studies at the University of Cambridge, obtaining a First Class Honours degree in Economics in 1957, and later completed his D.Phil. in Economics at the University of Oxford in 1962.

Academic and Early Career

After completing his education, Singh worked for the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) from 1966 to 1969. He then returned to India, serving in various capacities, including as an advisor in the Ministry of Foreign Trade, Chief Economic Adviser (1972–1976), and Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (1982–1985). His expertise in economics was widely recognized, leading to his appointment as the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India from 1985 to 1987.

Political Career and Economic Reforms

In 1991, India faced a severe economic crisis characterized by a balance of payments deficit. Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao appointed Singh as the Finance Minister, tasking him with implementing economic reforms to liberalize the Indian economy. Singh introduced measures such as reducing import tariffs, deregulating markets, and encouraging foreign investment, which transitioned India from a socialist-patterned economy to a more market-oriented one. These reforms are credited with spurring economic growth and integrating India into the global economy. 

Tenure as Prime Minister (2004–2014)

In 2004, following the general elections, the Indian National Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) secured a majority, and Sonia Gandhi, the Congress President, nominated Singh for the Prime Minister's position. His tenure was marked by significant achievements, including:

• Economic Growth: Under Singh's leadership, India experienced robust economic growth, averaging about 8% annually during his first term.

• Social Programs: His government implemented several social welfare schemes, such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which aimed to provide employment to rural households.

• Civil Nuclear Agreement:  Singh played a pivotal role in finalizing the Indo-U.S. Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008, ending India's nuclear isolation and allowing access to civilian nuclear technology.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite these accomplishments, Singh's tenure was not without challenges. His second term was marred by allegations of corruption and scandals, notably the 2G spectrum case and the Commonwealth Games scam, which tarnished the government's image. Additionally, critics often labeled him as a "silent" prime minister, suggesting he lacked assertiveness, especially concerning coalition pressures and party dynamics.

Legacy and Death

After completing his term in 2014, Singh remained active in public life, contributing to economic discourse and policy discussions. He passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92. His death marked the end of an era for Indian politics, with many remembering him as a man of integrity who played a crucial role in shaping modern India's economic landscape.

Personal Life

Manmohan Singh was married to Gursharan Kaur, and the couple had three daughters.Known for his modesty and scholarly demeanor, Singh was often described as a "gentleman politician," maintaining a low profile despite holding high office.

Manmohan Singh's contributions to India are multifaceted, spanning economic reforms that liberalized the economy to policies that aimed at inclusive growth.His tenure as Prime Minister witnessed significant transformations in India's economic and social fabric, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.