Manmohan Singh, India’s Economic Reformer and Former Prime Minister, Dies at 92

Image Credit, Manmohan Singh

Manmohan Singh, India’s former Prime Minister and the architect of the country’s landmark economic reforms, passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92. He died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi after experiencing a sudden loss of consciousness at his home. Despite immediate resuscitative efforts, Singh was declared dead at 9:51 p.m. His passing marks the end of an era in Indian politics, defined by steady economic stewardship and a quiet yet determined leadership style that left a lasting imprint on the nation.

Singh had been under medical care for age-related conditions, though his sudden deterioration surprised many. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, with leaders highlighting his transformative role in reshaping India’s economy during his tenure as Finance Minister in the early 1990s and later as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014. Singh’s policies were pivotal in liberalizing the Indian market, lifting millions out of poverty, and positioning the country as a rising global economic power.

Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, a village in present-day Pakistan, Singh’s early life was marked by academic brilliance. After earning degrees from the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, he embarked on a distinguished career as an economist before entering politics. His tenure as Finance Minister under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao is often credited with ending India’s economic crisis by dismantling the License Raj and opening the economy to foreign investment.

Singh’s two terms as Prime Minister were marked by ambitious welfare programs, infrastructure development, and diplomatic outreach. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and expansions in healthcare and education remain some of his most notable achievements. However, his leadership was not without controversy. His second term was marred by corruption scandals and growing criticism of his perceived passivity in handling political crises.

Despite these challenges, Singh remained a respected figure, admired for his intellect, integrity, and unassuming demeanor. In a political landscape often dominated by flamboyant personalities, Singh stood out as a soft-spoken yet effective leader who believed in the power of dialogue and consensus.

He is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and their three daughters. As India reflects on his contributions, Singh’s legacy as the man who guided the nation through economic turbulence and onto the path of growth is likely to endure for generations to come.