As Finance Minister in 1991, Dr. Singh introduced landmark reforms—liberalization, privatization, and globalization
He rescued India from economic collapse and set it on the path to becoming a fast-growing global economy.
Singh worked for the betterment of India by strengthening its foreign relations and advancing progress in education, healthcare, and the economy.
Dr. Manmohan Singh was one of India’s most respected leaders, known for his simplicity, wisdom, and honesty. Born on 26 September 1932 in a Sikh family in Gah village (now in Pakistan), he lost his mother at an early age and was raised by his grandmother. After the Partition his family settled in Amritsar. A bright student from the beginning, he completed his schooling in Punjab before moving to Cambridge University and later Oxford, where he earned his doctorate in Economics.
Over the years, he became an outstanding scholar and teacher, holding positions at Punjab University and the Delhi School of Economics. He also worked with international organizations like the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and later took up key posts in India, including Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, and Chief Economic Adviser to the Government. His deep knowledge of economics eventually brought him into active politics.
In 1991, when India faced a grave economic crisis, Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao appointed Dr. Singh as Finance Minister. His policies not only rescued India from financial collapse but also transformed its future. Later, in 2004, he became India’s 13th Prime Minister and served two terms until 2014, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in independent India.
Dr. Singh married Gursharan Kaur in 1958, and the couple has three daughters – Upinder, Amrit, and Daman – each successful in their fields. Known for his humility and calm personality, Dr. Singh left behind a legacy as both a thinker and a doer.
1. Economic Transformation and Liberalization
Dr. Singh’s greatest contribution was reshaping India’s economy. As Finance Minister in 1991, he introduced reforms that ended decades of restrictive policies. By reducing licensing rules, opening doors to foreign investments, and lowering import tariffs, he moved India towards liberalization, Privatisation and globalization. This shift turned India from a struggling economy into one of the world’s fastest-growing nations. During his Prime Ministership, the GDP growth rate touched record highs, even crossing 9% in 2007.
2. Social Welfare and Rural Empowerment
Dr. Singh believed that economic growth should benefit the common man. His government launched the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) — earlier NREG — in 2005, which guaranteed 100 days of paid work to rural households. This program became one of the largest social security initiatives in the world, uplifting millions of poor families and reducing rural unemployment.
3. Transparency and Democratic Reforms
One of the landmark achievements under his leadership was the passing of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in 2005. This historic law gave every citizen the power to seek information from the government, promoting openness, reducing corruption, and making the administration more accountable. The RTI Act is still considered a milestone in India’s democratic journey.
4. Progress in Science, Education, and Health
Dr. Singh strongly supported India’s scientific and educational growth. His tenure saw the success of Chandrayaan-1 (2008), India’s first lunar mission, which discovered water molecules on the Moon. He also approved India’s Mars mission (Mangalyaan), which later became a global success.
On the education front, his government passed the Right to Education Act (2009), giving children aged 6–14 the right to free and compulsory schooling. In healthcare, he launched the National Rural Health Mission (2005) to improve hospitals and medical services in villages, focusing on reducing infant and maternal mortality.
5. Strengthening India’s Place in the World
Dr. Singh’s diplomacy gave India a stronger global standing. His most significant achievement was the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement (2008), which ended decades of isolation and allowed India to access nuclear technology for peaceful use. This deal boosted India’s energy security and placed it firmly on the world stage. He also deepened ties with major powers like Russia, Japan, and China while promoting cooperation with neighboring countries.
Dr. Manmohan Singh combined scholarship with statesmanship. He was not just a political leader but also a visionary economist who believed in inclusive development. His reforms in the early 1990s changed the course of India’s economic history, while his social and welfare schemes as Prime Minister ensured that the benefits of growth reached the poor.
Humble, soft-spoken, and honest, Dr. Singh proved that leadership is not about loud speeches but about clear vision and steady action. His contributions in economics, governance, and diplomacy continue to shape India’s growth even today. [Rh/VP]
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