iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
Renowned economist and former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who is widely hailed as the architect of India’s economic reforms, died on Thursday, December 26, at the age of 92.
Singh was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the national capital following a deterioration in his health.
The news of Singh’s death has been confirmed by the AIIMS in a statement that read: “With profound grief, we inform the demise of former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh aged 92. He was being treated for age related medical conditions and had sudden loss of consciousness at home on December 26. Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the medical emergency at AIIMS. Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9.51 p.m.”
The former PM had been admitted for treatment in the hospital on Thursday night after being critically ill.
Singh, who served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, was known for his transformative role in steering India’s economy through a period of significant liberalization.
His tenure is often credited for initiating major economic reforms in 1991 when he was the finance minister, which helped modernise India’s economy and integrate it into the global market.
A man of humility and intellect, Singh was a respected figure both in India and globally. Under his leadership, India saw consistent economic growth, reducing poverty and strengthening the country’s position on the world stage.
His government was also known for implementing crucial legislations in areas such as education, food security, and information.
Singh’s death has left the nation in mourning, with leaders from all political parties and across the world paying tribute to his legacy. His contributions to the field of economics and public service will be remembered for generations.
“India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji,” part of Indian PM Narendra Modi’s tweet read.
“Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years.
“His interventions in Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives,” the PM said.
Another tweet from Modi read: “Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji and I interacted regularly when he was PM and I was the CM of Gujarat. We would have extensive deliberations on various subjects relating to governance. His wisdom and humility were always visible.
“In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the family of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji, his friends and countless admirers. Om Shanti.”
Singh is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and their three daughters. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced soon, with the nation’s leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expected to participate in honouring his memory. Dr. Singh’s death marks the end of an era in Indian politics. His leadership and legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
In April this year, Singh retired from Rajya Sabha, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge praising his long Parliamentary career.
Singh shot to prominence as the country’s Finance Minister in the government headed by PV Narasimha Rao during 1991-96, having brought in sweeping reforms that transformed the Indian economy.
As the two-term Prime Minister of the UPA, he stayed at the top post from 2004 and 2014, and served as a member of the Rajya Sabha till early this year.
In his political career, Singh has been a member of the Rajya Sabha since 1991, where he was Leader of the Opposition between 1998 and 2004.
Singh was sworn in as Prime Minister on May 22 after the 2004 general elections and took the oath of office for a second term on May 22, 2009.
He represented Assam for five terms in the Upper House and shifted to Rajasthan in 2019.
His last intervention in Parliament was against demonetization, describing it as an “organized loot and legalized plunder”.
Born on September 26, 1932, in Punjab, Singh received his Bachelor’s and Master’s in Economics from Panjab University in 1952 and 1954 respectively.
Manmohan Singh completed his Economic Tripos from Cambridge University in 1957. He followed this with a D.Phil in Economics from Oxford University in 1962.
