RIP Dr Manmohan Singh: The entire nation was shocked after the news of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's death surfaced on social media. Tributes started pouring in from across India for former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday evening.
Dr Manmohan Singh, who served as the country’s leader from 2004 to 2014, is widely credited as the architect of India’s economic liberalization, a transformative milestone in the nation’s history.
The first Sikh to hold India’s highest political office and the first Prime Minister since Jawaharlal Nehru to be re-elected after completing a full term, Singh left an indelible mark on the nation through his visionary leadership and quiet determination. Here’s a look at the milestones that defined his illustrious career.
Architect of Economic Liberalization
In 1991, India faced a crippling financial crisis, with foreign reserves sufficient for just two weeks of imports. As finance minister in Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao’s government, Singh spearheaded bold reforms to liberalize the economy, a move that was met with resistance but ultimately reshaped India’s economic trajectory.
From devaluing the rupee to reducing import tariffs and privatizing state-owned enterprises, Singh’s initiatives set the stage for unprecedented growth. His famous words during his first budget speech in parliament—"No power on Earth can stop an idea whose time has come"—remain a testament to his foresight.
As Prime Minister, Singh continued to build on these reforms, lifting millions out of poverty and cementing India’s place among the world’s fastest-growing economies.
Reluctant Yet Transformative Prime Minister
Following Congress’s unexpected victory in the 2004 elections, Sonia Gandhi declined the Prime Minister’s post and proposed Singh’s name instead. Known for his integrity and consensus-building abilities, Singh was a natural choice.
During his tenure, particularly from 2004 to 2009, India’s GDP grew at an average rate of 8%, and Singh’s policies helped shield the country from the 2008 global financial crisis. However, his second term was marred by allegations of corruption involving his coalition partners, though his personal integrity was never in question.
Reflecting on his tenure in his final press conference in 2014, Singh said, “I honestly believe that history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media or the opposition parties.”
Empowering Citizens Through Rights
As Prime Minister, Singh championed landmark social reforms that continue to shape India’s democracy.
- Right to Information Act: Empowered citizens to hold government officials accountable.
- National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA): Guaranteed 100 days of work annually for rural households, reducing poverty and boosting incomes.
- Right to Education Act: Ensured free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14, significantly lowering dropout rates.
- Aadhar Program: Introduced a unique identity system that improved welfare delivery and financial inclusion, a legacy upheld by subsequent governments.
A Historic Apology for the 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots
In 2005, Singh became the first Prime Minister to issue a formal apology in parliament for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, calling the violence “a negation of the concept of nationhood.” His heartfelt apology was a moment of reckoning and healing for the Sikh community and the nation.
India-US Nuclear Deal
In 2008, Singh finalized a landmark nuclear agreement with the United States, ending India’s nuclear isolation and enabling civilian nuclear trade. Despite facing fierce opposition that nearly toppled his government, Singh stood firm, describing the deal as critical for India’s energy security and economic growth.
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