In the annals of India’s political history, the story of Dr. Manmohan Singh stands as a testament to humility, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to public service. As he celebrated his 91st birthday this week, it’s worth reflecting on the remarkable journey of one of India’s most respected statesmen.
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s life began in a small village named Gah, where he was raised by his grandparents with limited means. His early years were marked by modesty and a thirst for knowledge. He received his education in Peshawar and faced the upheaval of Partition in 1947, which forced his family to migrate. Despite these challenges, his pursuit of knowledge and determination led him to attain an Economics Tripos from Oxford University and a doctorate from Cambridge University.
During his academic journey, Dr. Singh had the privilege of studying under renowned scholars such as Joan Robinson, Nicholas Kaldor, and I. M. D. Little, all of whom held him in high regard. His scholarly achievements laid the foundation for a distinguished career in economics and public service.
In the 1970s, Dr. Manmohan Singh assumed the role of a professor at the Delhi School of Economics and also served as the Chief Economic Advisor. In the 1980s, he took on the responsibilities of the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India and Vice Chairman of the Planning Commission. It was in the 1990s, as the Finance Minister of India, that he ushered in groundbreaking economic reforms that transformed the country’s economic landscape.
The significance of Dr. Singh’s achievements cannot be overstated. He remains unparalleled in the field of economics, with a track record that few can match. However, his impact extended beyond holding high office; it was about delivering results and being accountable.
Even those who may have criticized his leadership cannot deny his unwavering dedication, sincerity, diligent work ethic, scholarly pursuits, decency, and integrity. Dr. Singh’s commitment to public service and his resistance to corruption set a high standard for political leaders.
One of the remarkable aspects of India’s democracy is its diversity of opinions, and Dr. Singh has had his share of vocal critics. However, he always welcomed criticism and was open to diverse perspectives. Over the years, his own views evolved, adapting to changing circumstances and new insights. This adaptability is a hallmark of a true intellectual—a willingness to reconsider one’s stance when confronted with new information.
As the Finance Minister who oversaw the economic reforms of 1991 and the dismantling of India’s License Raj, Dr. Singh’s approach included fortifying reform policies through expert committees. These committees comprised members from various fields, and their recommendations laid the groundwork for transformative changes, such as the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST) and the growth of the private insurance sector.
During his tenure as Prime Minister, Dr. Singh exhibited exceptional leadership qualities. Despite differences within the Cabinet, he sought consensus and achieved significant milestones through landmark legislation, including the right to information, food security, employment guarantees, and the introduction of the Aadhaar identity system.
