A Tribute to Dr. Manmohan Singh the Architect of Modern India

Dikumoni Hazarika

The nation mourns the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, an economic visionary and an epitome of integrity and modesty.

Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah village, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Dr. Singh experienced the trauma of Partition in 1947 when he was just 15 years old.

His family migrated to Amritsar, where he grew up and formed a bottomless connection with Punjaba bond he cherished throughout his life.

Academic Brilliance and Professional Journey

A Tribute to Dr. Manmohan Singh the Architect of Modern India

Dr. Manmohan Singh’s academic journey began at Panjab University, where he completed his matriculation in 1948. He later pursued Economics at the University of Cambridge, earning a First-Class Honours Degree in 1957, followed by a D.Phil from Nuffield College, Oxford University, in 1962. His scholarly work, ‘India’s Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth’ (1964), remains a seminal critique of India’s inward-looking trade policies.

Dr. Singh went on to teach at Panjab University and the Delhi School of Economics, earning recognition as a dedicated academician. His expertise also took him to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and later as Secretary-General of the South Commission in Geneva (1987–1990).

Economic Architect of India

Dr. Singh began his government career in 1971 as an Economic Advisor and later held key positions such as Chief Economic Advisor, Reserve Bank Governor, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, and Chairman of the University Grants Commission. In 1991, as Finance Minister under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, Dr. Singh took charge during one of India’s worst economic crises.

He introduced groundbreaking liberalization policies, reducing tariffs, encouraging Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and dismantling the License Raj. These reforms became the foundation of India’s modern economy, driving unprecedented growth and opening the country to global markets.

Leadership as Prime Minister (2004-2014)

Dr. Manmohan Singh served as the 13th Prime Minister of India from May 22, 2004, to May 26, 2014, representing the Indian National Congress (INC).Dr. Manmohan Singh never served as a member of the Lok Sabha but was a long-standing member of the Rajya Sabha, representing Assam from 1991 to 2019 and later Rajasthan from 2019 to 2024.

His tenure was marked by significant economic growth, social welfare programs, and key foreign policy achievements.

Economic Growth

Dr. Singh firmly believed in the power of the free market to drive economic growth. His policies, which emphasized liberalization, privatization, and globalization, played a key role in integrating India into the global economy. This integration opened new avenues for trade, investment, and technological advancements, contributing to higher economic growth rates.

India experienced significant economic reforms and adopted more market-driven approach, enhancing the country’s competitiveness on the global stage and contributing to its rapid economic transformation.Under Dr. Singh’s leadership, India achieved historic economic milestones, including a 10.03% GDP growth rate in 2010-11the highest since independence. His vision transformed India into one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

Social Welfare Programs

Dr. Singh’s government introduced several landmark social initiatives aimed at improving the lives of marginalized populations in India. These included the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which guaranteed 100 days of wage employment for rural households, providing a safety net for millions of families. The Right to Education Act (2009) made education free and compulsory for children, ensuring access to quality education for all.

The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM, 2005) focused on enhancing healthcare access in rural areas, addressing the needs of poor communities. The Food Security Act (2013) ensured subsidized food grains to millions of people, tackling hunger and food insecurity across the country. These initiatives played a crucial role in strengthening the social safety net and promoting inclusive development in India.

Right to Information (RTI) Act (2005)

One of Dr. Singh’s landmark achievements was the enactment of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in 2005. This revolutionary legislation empowered citizens by granting them access to government records and decisions, promoting transparency, accountability, and participatory governance. The RTI Act became a powerful tool for civil society and played a crucial role in combating corruption.

India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement (2008)

Dr. Singh’s leadership secured the landmark India-US Civil Nuclear Deal, granting India access to nuclear technology and fuel despite not being a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). This agreement marked a new era in India’s global diplomacy.

5. Strengthening Global Relations

Dr. Singh emphasized diplomacy and regional stability, fostering stronger ties with global powers like the USA, Russia, and China, while maintaining dialogue with Pakistan. While also focusing on regional peace with neighbouring countries, including Pakistan. Through economic partnerships and strategic dialogues, Dr. Singh positioned India as a significant player on the world stage.

Contributions to Punjab and Chandigarh

Dr. Singh maintained a strong connection with Punjab and Chandigarh throughout his life. As a professor at Panjab University, he inspired countless students. He laid the foundation stone for the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital in New Chandigarh, marking a milestone in Punjab’s healthcare infrastructure.

Awards and Honours

Dr. Manmohan Singh has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and honors throughout his illustrious public career. Among the most notable are India’s second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan (1987), and the Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary Award from the Indian Science Congress (1995).

He was also recognized internationally with the Asia Money Award for Finance Minister of the Year in 1993 and 1994, and the Euro Money Award for Finance Minister of the Year in 1993. Early in his academic career, Dr. Singh was awarded the Adam Smith Prize by the University of Cambridge in 1956 and the Wright’s Prize for Distinguished Performance at St. John’s College, Cambridge, in 1955.

Dr. Singh has been honored by various global institutions, including the Japanese Nihon Keizai Shimbun. He holds honorary degrees from several esteemed universities, including the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, reflecting his exceptional contributions to economics, governance, and public service.

A Legacy of Integrity and Vision

Dr. Manmohan Singh’s life was an example of diligence, simplicity, and intellectual brilliance. Despite facing political challenges and controversies, his dedication to India’s development remained countless. Dr. Manmohan Singh is widely regarded as a ‘Gentle Politician’ due to his calm demeanour, soft-spoken nature. His vision not only transformed India economically but also elevated its stature on the global stage.

As the nation bids farewell to one of its finest leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. He was not just a statesman but also a guiding light in India’s journey towards growth, equity, and prosperity.

Rest in peace, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Your contributions will forever remain etched in the heart of the nation.

DIKUMONI HAZARIKA, PhD. Research Scholar (Political Science), Panjab University

Mahabahu.com is an Online Magazine with collection of premium Assamese and English articles and posts with cultural base and modern thinking. You can send your articles to editor@mahabahu.com / editor@mahabahoo.com(For Assamese article, Unicode font is necessary) Images from different sources.