Digital News Guru New Delhi Desk:
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, a pivotal figure in India’s economic transformation and political landscape, passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92. He was admitted to the emergency department of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, where he was pronounced dead.
About Manmohan Singh
Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Singh’s early life was marked by academic excellence. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Economics from Panjab University, followed by a DPhil from the University of Oxford.
His scholarly pursuits laid a strong foundation for his future roles in shaping India’s economic policies.
Manmohan Singh’s Career
Singh’s career was distinguished by several key positions, including serving as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India and the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission. However, his most transformative role came as the Finance Minister under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao from 1991 to 1996. During this period, Singh was the principal architect of the 1991 economic reforms that liberalized India’s economy, steering the nation away from a severe financial crisis and setting it on a path of rapid growth and globalization.
In 2004, Singh became the 13th Prime Minister of India, leading the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. His tenure, which lasted until 2014, was marked by significant economic growth, social welfare schemes, and efforts to improve India’s global standing. Notably, his government introduced the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and the Right to Information Act, both aimed at enhancing transparency and providing social security.
Despite his numerous achievements, Singh’s tenure was not without challenges. His administration faced criticism over issues such as corruption scandals and policy paralysis in its later years. Nevertheless, his personal integrity and commitment to the nation’s development remained widely respected across the political spectrum.
Singh’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian politics. Tributes have poured in from leaders worldwide, reflecting on his contributions to India’s economic resurgence and his role as a statesman. His legacy as a reformer and a leader who prioritized inclusive growth continues to influence India’s policy landscape.
He is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and their three daughters. As the nation mourns his loss, Singh’s life and work remain a testament to the profound impact of visionary leadership on a country’s destiny.
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