Bengaluru, Dec 27 (UNI) The nation is mourning the loss of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is widely revered for his transformative influence on India's economy. Singh, who passed away at the age of 92, was celebrated as one of the world’s leading economists and played a pivotal role in steering the country toward significant economic growth during his tenure from 2004 to 2014.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah took to social media to honor Singh, describing him as "a world-class economist who shaped the country's economy for the benefit of the middle and poor people." He highlighted Singh's remarkable rise from humble beginnings, which began as the son of low-income parents to becoming one of the most respected leaders on the global stage.
Singh's tenure is marked by extensive economic reforms, including the liberalization policies initiated during his time as Finance Minister from 1991 and later as Prime Minister. His initiatives such as the Right to Information Act, the Food Security Act, and the establishment of social welfare programs aimed to uplift the middle class and poor individuals significantly altered the socio-economic fabric of India.
Siddaramaiah, reflecting on Singh's modest nature, described him as "a soft-spoken, moderate-spoken man" who worked tirelessly for the welfare of the nation. Recognizing the former Prime Minister's leadership capacity, the Chief Minister noted, "His tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant economic reforms," crediting him for stabilizing the Indian economy during tumultuous global financial periods.
Veteran Congress leader A K Antony also commemorated Singh, calling him "a magician" who could rebuild the nation’s economy. Antony emphasized the extensive economic strides India made under Singh's leadership, mentioning how world leaders often sought his expert counsel during international crises, particularly during economic slowdowns.
The transformative policies Singh introduced have broadly contributed to India's emergence as one of the fastest-growing economies globally. The famed economic reforms initiated on July 24, 1991, set the stage for liberalizing India's economy and attracted foreign investments, playing a foundational role for what is evident today.
Recalling his personal interactions with Singh, Siddaramaiah noted the former Prime Minister's insights, which were instrumental during the launch of the Ambedkar School of Economics, where Singh praised Karnataka's economic strength. This tribute from Siddaramaiah is part of the broader acknowledgment of Singh's contribution to policymaking, which spanned several decades.
Singh is credited for several key legislative achievements, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, the Right to Education Act, and policies supporting educational and healthcare reforms. His administration focused on ensuring economic growth translated meaningfully for all sections of society, emphasizing social equity.
Antony recounted Singh's humility and discipline. "Is there such a man? A prime minister who respected and worked for all states, without discrimination?" remarked Antony, capturing the essence of Singh's non-partisan approach and his willingness to collaborate across party lines.
The former leader was also known for his cautious yet calculated approach, as seen during his time of pushing for private investments and the signing of key international agreements such as the civilian nuclear agreement with the U.S. Singh's determination showcased his commitment to aligning India's economy with the global market.
His death has left many reflecting on Singh’s legacy and how future generations of policymakers can draw inspiration from his career. Many leaders, politicians, and economists recognized Singh as the architect of India’s economic reforms, citing his governance as instrumental to India's economic ascent.
"Even though my work did not get much recognition when I was alive, our work will get more importance in the future," Singh had once remarked, which resonates deeply with the tributes being paid today across political spectra. His legacy continues to inspire discussions about economic development, social justice, and inclusive growth.
Dr. Manmohan Singh's legacy as India’s foremost economist and statesman persists as his contributions continue to shape the nation's economic narrative. His passing is not just seen as the loss of one individual but as the passing of a pivotal era for India's economic policies and governance, one where he brought significant change toward prosperity and inclusivity.
