India is in mourning following the death of its former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions. Dr. Singh was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi after experiencing a sudden loss of consciousness at his home on December 26, 2024.
Dr. Singh is survived by his wife, Gurcharan Singh, and their three daughters. His legacy, however, extends far beyond his family. As a renowned economist and statesman, Dr. Singh played a pivotal role in shaping India’s economic transformation. His tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 was marked by significant economic reforms that lifted millions of people out of poverty.
Former US President Barack Obama, in his memoir “A Promised Land,” paid tribute to Dr. Singh’s exceptional leadership, describing him as a “man with uncommon wisdom.” Obama praised Dr. Singh’s commitment to economic reform, the well-being of the Indian people, and his unwavering integrity. He noted that Dr. Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister proved him to be “wise, thoughtful, and scrupulously honest.”
Dr. Singh’s policies significantly impacted India’s economic scenario, promoting growth, reducing poverty, and enhancing access to education and healthcare. Notable initiatives during his government included the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and the Right to Information Act.
Despite facing criticism during his period of service, Dr. Singh remained optimistic about his legacy. In his last press conference as Prime Minister in January 2014, he expressed confidence in history’s judgment, stating, “I honestly believe that history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media, or for that matter, the Opposition parties in Parliament.”
As India bids farewell to this visionary leader, his remarkable contributions to the nation’s growth and development are remembered. The legacy of Dr. Manmohan Singh will continue to inspire future generations of leaders and policymakers, and his impact on India’s history will be remembered for years to come.
