As Finance Minister in 1991, Dr. Manmohan Singh confronted a severe economic crisis. He introduced transformative reforms, liberalizing India's economy and steering it towards globalization. His assertion, "No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come," expressed his commitment to economic progress.

Dr. Manmohan Singh passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92. He served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, and his pivotal role as Finance Minister in the early 1990s was instrumental in shaping modern India’s economic structure.

Reflecting on his educational background, Dr. Singh once said, “Life is never free of contradictions.” He earned his degrees at Punjab University and the University of Cambridge. He earned his doctorate in economics from the University of Oxford.

In 2004, Dr. Manmohan Singh became India's first Sikh Prime Minister, leading the nation through a decade of significant growth. Under his leadership, India achieved an average annual growth rate of 8%, lifting millions out of poverty. He emphasized the importance of unity and secularism, stating, "We can't afford divisive polity in India."

Dr. Singh's tenure also witnessed the landmark civil nuclear agreement with the United States in 2008, enhancing India's global standing. He believed in the power of collaboration, expressing, "I do believe that the future of civilization belongs to those who would lay emphasis on working together."

Despite his achievements, Dr. Singh's administration faced challenges, including corruption scandals and economic slowdowns. He acknowledged the complexities of governance, noting, "Economic policy and decision-making do not function in a political vacuum."

After leaving office in 2014, Singh remained a respected figure in Indian politics, occasionally offering critiques and insights. He continued to advocate for ethical governance, asserting, "Ethical and responsible behaviour needs to become the cornerstone of corporate behaviour."

Dr. Singh's legacy is that of a visionary who transformed India's economic framework and upheld the values of integrity and humility. His life's work was dedicated to the nation's progress, embodying his belief that "India happens to be a rich country inhabited by very poor people," and his efforts were aimed at bridging this gap.

He is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and their three daughters. As India mourns his passing, it also celebrates the enduring impact of his contributions to the nation's journey towards economic prosperity and social harmony.