Dr. Manmohan Singh, a great economist, a visionary leader and an epitome of simplicity, was the 13th Prime Minister of India and one of the key policymakers who took the country’s economy to new heights. His life was an example of humility, honesty and dedication. His journey to the top of Indian politics is inspiring, starting from the difficult times of Partition. Let us discuss the important parts of his life in detail.

 

Birth Place and Family of Manmohan Singh

On 26 September 1932, Dr. Manmohan Singh was born in Gah village in Punjab province of British India (now Pakistan). His father Gurmukh Singh was a simple businessman, and mother Amrit Kaur was a housewife. His family came to India during the partition and settled in Amritsar. He had a difficult childhood, but his devotion to education gave him amazing success. His family fully supported his studies despite limited resources.

 

Education of Manmohan Singh 

Manmohan Singh did his primary education in a local school in Gah village.
He received secondary education in Amritsar after partition. He matriculated from Punjab University in 1948. He did his graduation in Economics in 1952 and post graduation in 1954. His good studies led him to move to Cambridge University, where he graduated with first division in 1957. In 1962, Dr. Singh received his D.Phil (doctorate) from Oxford University. His field of study was India and international trade.

During his education, he came in contact with world-renowned economists like Professor John Hicks and Nicholas Kaldor, who deeply influenced his thinking and outlook.

 

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Family of Dr Manmohan Singh

Dr. Manmohan Singh married to Gursharan Kaur. They have three daughters—Daman, Upinder and Amrit.

Beginning of political career

Dr. Singh began his career as an academician and economist. He worked at the Geneva-based United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) from 1966 to 1969.

Government service

In 1971, he was appointed economic adviser in the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India. He later held important positions such as Deputy Governor of the Planning Commission and Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Entry into Politics

He became the Finance Minister in 1991 during the tenure of Prime Minister Narasimha Rao. This was his first major foray into Indian politics.

 

Participation in Economic Reforms

Dr. Manmohan Singh initiated bold economic reforms in 1991 when the country was going through a severe economic crisis.

Liberality: He freed India’s economy from government interference by implementing the principles of liberalization, privatization and globalization.

International Investment: His efforts increased foreign investment in India and Indian companies got an opportunity to compete globally.

Impact on Life: His policies made India’s economy one of the fastest growing economies in the world, benefiting the middle class.

Tenure as Prime Minister (2004-2014)

Dr. Singh served as the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014. Many historic works were done under his leadership:

Important schemes:

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)

Right to Education Act

Food Security Act

Right to Information (RTI)

 

International Relations:

He signed the historic nuclear deal between India and the US, which strengthened India’s energy security.

 

Growth Rate:
India’s economy achieved the highest growth rate during his tenure.

. Manmohan Singh wrote many important books and research papers, mainly on the Indian economy, development policies and international trade. His writings deeply influenced not only academics but also policy-makers.

 

Major books and research works written by Dr. Manmohan Singh

 

1. “India’s Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth”

This book is based on his doctoral research and was published in 1964.

In this, he discussed the pattern of Indian exports, challenges and policy suggestions for self-reliance.

This book is very popular among economists and policy makers.

2. “India’s Economic Reforms and Development: Essays for Manmohan Singh”

This book is a compilation edited by his colleagues and students in honour of his contributions.

Though it is not directly authored by him, it reflects his views and contributions.

3. “The Changing Role of International Monetary Fund in the Emerging World Order”

In this, he discussed the role of IMF and its importance in the global economic structure.

This writing helps in understanding his international economic outlook.

4. “Essays on Trade and Development”

In this book, he has highlighted the important role of trade for developing countries.

It analyzes the relationship between trade and developing economies.

5. “Growth, Sustainability, and India’s Economic Reforms”

This book focuses on Indian economic reforms and issues of sustainable development.

It explains his ideas in detail, which were also reflected in the policies of his Prime Ministership.

6. Other Research Papers and Articles:
Dr. Singh wrote research papers for many prestigious journals and conferences.

His topics mainly focused on the challenges of developing countries, global trade, and the Indian economy.

Dr. Manmohan Singh’s writings left a lasting mark in both economics and politics.  His books and writings continue to be a source of guidance for students, researchers and policy-makers.

Death and funeral

Dr. Singh died on 26 December 2024 at AIIMS in New Delhi. His last rites will be performed near Rajghat with state honors. The country and the world condoled his demise. The funeral will take place at 11.45 AM on December 28, 2024, at Nigambodh Ghat, New Delhi.

Tribute:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi paid tribute to him.

Public mourning:

Seven days of national mourning were declared across the country.

Dr. Singh’s legacy

Dr. Manmohan Singh’s life is a source of inspiration for India. He gave a new direction to Indian politics and economy. The country will always remember him for his vision, simplicity and dedication.