New Delhi, December 26: India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished statesmen and economists, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92. The former Prime Minister and eminent economist breathed his last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi after being admitted following a decline in health. He was brought to the hospital’s emergency department around 8 PM on December 26, though the specific cause of his hospitalisation was not disclosed.
With profound grief, we inform the demise of the former Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh, aged 92. He was being treated for age-related medical conditions and had a sudden loss of consciousness at home on 26 December 2024. Resuscitative measures were started immediately… pic.twitter.com/ZX9NakKo7Y
— ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2024
A Storied Career in Public Service
Manmohan Singh gained national recognition as the Finance Minister in PV Narasimha Rao’s government from 1991 to 1996, where he spearheaded transformative economic reforms that liberalized India’s economy.
Singh later served as Prime Minister for two consecutive terms from 2004 to 2014, leading the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. Known for his integrity, humility, and intellect, Singh oversaw significant economic and social developments during his tenure. He remained a member of the Rajya Sabha until his retirement in April 2023.
Early Life and Education
Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, Punjab (present-day Pakistan), Manmohan Singh’s journey to prominence was marked by resilience and determination. After losing his mother at a young age, he was raised by his grandmother. Despite growing up in a village without electricity, he excelled academically, studying by kerosene lamp.
He graduated from Hindu College in Amritsar before earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Economics from Panjab University. Singh further pursued advanced studies at Cambridge University and completed his DPhil at the University of Oxford, specializing in Economics.
Professional Contributions and Awards & Recognitions
Manmohan Singh’s career in public service began in the 1960s when he worked with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). He later served as an economic advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Trade, Chief Advisor in the Ministry of Finance, and Secretary in the Finance Ministry.
In 1982, Singh was appointed Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, and from 1985 to 1987, he served as Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission. His leadership in various capacities earned him widespread respect for his economic expertise.
As Finance Minister in 1991, Singh implemented economic reforms transitioning India from a closed economy to a liberalised market-driven system.
Dr Singh was the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Padma Vibhushan in 1987, the Outstanding Parliamentary Award in 2002, and a place on Time magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in 2005.
Dr Singh is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and three daughters. Details of his funeral arrangements are awaited.
His legacy as an architect of modern India’s economic reforms and a principled leader will continue to inspire generations. The nation bids farewell to a visionary whose contributions will remain etched in history.
