Architect of India’s economic reforms no more

New Delhi: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92 due to age related medical conditions, AIIMS informed. Manmohan Singh had sudden loss of consciousness at home on Thursday evening after which he was rushed to the AIIMS Delhi. Singh retired from Rajya Sabha earlier this year after serving for 33 years in house.

Manomohan Singh, born in Punjab in 1932, served two terms as Prime Minister of India - from 2004 to 2014. He took the oath of the office for the first time in 2004, after Congress’ win in 2004 Lok Sabha election against Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA. He served his second term from 2009 to 2014. He was then suceeded by PM Narendra Modi in 2014. The centre announced a seven-day period of national mourning following the death of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh.

VP Dhankhar, Priyanka condole Dr Manmohan Singh’s demise

Vice President J a g d e e p Dhankhar on Thursday condoled the death of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, saying he transformed India’s economic landscape. A Padma Vibhushan awardee and architect of India’s economic liberalisation in 1991, Singh “boldly steered our nation through a critical trans i t i o n , o p e n i n g new pathways for growth a n d prosperity”, the Vice President Secretariat said, quoting Dhankhar who is also chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. Singh was a former member of the Upper House. He said in Singh’s passing, India has lost a leader of towering intellect and a statesman par excellence. “His legacy will forever guide Bharat’s growth trajectory. My heartfelt condolences to his family and countless admirers in this difficult hour,”

Dhankhar said. He recalled that as the vice president, he had the privilege to engage in meaningful, insightful interactions with Singh at his residence. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also condoled the demise of former prime minister Manmohan Singh and said he remained steadfast in his commitment to serve the nation despite being subjected to unfair and deeply personal attacks by his opponents.

“Few people in politics inspire the kind of respect that Sardar Manmohan Singh ji did. His honesty will always be an inspiration for us and he will forever stand tall among those who truly love this country as someone who remained steadfast in his commitment to serve the nation despite being subjected to unfair and deeply personal attacks by his opponents,” Priyanka Gandhi said. in a post on X. “He was genuinely egalitarian, wise, strongwilled and courageous until the end. A uniquely dignified and gentle man in the rough world of politics,” she said. Singh, the architect of India’s economic reforms, died here on Thursday night. He was 92. His death was announced by AIIMS, Delhi, where he was admitted on Thursday.

Dr Singh, a statesman who quietly reshaped India’s economy

Dr Manmohan Singh, India’s 13th Prime Minister and the architect of its economic liberalisation, passed away peacefully on Thursday night, due to several age-related health complications leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled intellect, humility, and service. A man of few words but profound actions, he dedicated his life to transforming India’s destiny through vision, resilience, and quiet determination.

Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, now in Pakistan, Dr. Singh rose from modest beginnings to become one of the most respected global leaders. After earning his doctorate in economics from Oxford University, he embarked on a distinguished career in academia, public service, and governance. His tenure as the Finance Minister (1991–1996) marked a turning point for India, as he steered the country out of an economic crisis and laid the foundation for decades of growth with reforms that opened India to the world. As Prime Minister (2004–2014), Dr Singh led the nation through an era of remarkable economic expansion and social initiatives. His flagship policies, such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Right to Education Act, uplifted millions of lives.

He also strengthened India’s global standing, fostering strategic partnerships and championing the IndoUS civil nuclear deal, a milestone in India’s foreign policy. Dr Singh, despite holding the highest office, embodied simplicity and integrity, earning widespread respect for his soft-spoken nature and commitment to India’s welfare. Dr Singh’s legacy extends beyond policies and reforms. He inspired generations with his unwavering faith in democracy, inclusivity, and human dignity. His humility and grace, even in the face of criticism, symbolized the values he held dear. In his passing, India has lost a visionary leader, a devoted public servant, and a true son of the soil. Dr Singh was a Rajya Sabha MP for nearly 33 years and became RS MP for the first time from Assam in 1991 while was RS MP for the sixth and last time in 2019 from Rajasthan and his RS term ended on April 3, 2024. Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagade condoled the demise of Dr Singh saying, “The passing of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh is an irreplaceable loss.”