It was the chilly peak winter night of Thursday (December 26) when the world was informed of the demise of a visionary leader, ex-finance minister and prime minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh.

Earlier on Friday, Dr Singh’s mortal remains were brought from AIIMS to his residence. The former PM passed away at 92 after being admitted to the emergency ward of AIIMS, New Delhi.

“With profound grief, we inform you of the demise of 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 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 pm,” said the hospital in a statement.

According to media reports, the mortal remains of Singh will be brought to the All India Congress Committee headquarters on Saturday, and the last rites to be performed near Rajghat.

Earlier, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, who returned from Belagavi, visited Dr Singh’s residence. Following the former PM’s demise, the Congress party announced the cancellation of its rally scheduled for Friday in Belagavi.

Moreover, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar’s Jammu tour was also rescheduled due to State mourning for Singh.

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal remarked, “This is a tragic moment. Dr Manmohan Singh was the true symbol of Congress and the nation. He was a hero post-independence. Everyone witnessed his vision and governance capabilities. All Congress events, including the Foundation Day celebrations on December 28, have been cancelled for the next seven days.”

‘History kinder to me than contemporary media’

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor expressed his condolences, remarking that Dr Singh’s statement from 2014 had proven true. In 2014, Singh had said, “I honestly believe history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media or the opposition in Parliament,” which, according to Tharoor, has now been vindicated.

“Respected by all, he was soft-spoken and gentle. Condolences to his family and friends” said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, “While regarded as the architect of Indian economic reforms, he was equally responsible for the strategic corrections to our foreign policy. Was immensely privileged to work closely with him”.

First Sikh PM of India

Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, West Punjab (now in Pakistan), Singh was a celebrated economist and politician who left an indelible mark as the Prime Minister. He headed the Congress-led government at the Centre from 2004 to 2014.

As the first Sikh to hold the office of PM, Singh’s leadership was often credited for steering India through a period of significant economic transformation.

The trademark blue-turban-lad leader remained instrumental in elevating the country to the ranks of major global economic powers.

His academic journey was also remarkable. It began at Panjab University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degree in Economics in the early 1950s.

He continued his studies at the University of Cambridge, securing a ‘First Class Honours’ degree in Economics in 1957.

He later completed his D Phil at Nuffield College, Oxford in 1962. Dr Singh’s early professional career was shaped by his role as an educator at Punjab University, the Delhi School of Economics, and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

The political journey of Dr Singh began in 1971 when he was appointed as an Economic Advisor in the Ministry of Commerce. He later acquired pivotal roles like Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) and Secretary in the Ministry of Finance.

It was his tenure as Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996 that marked a crucial turning point for India's economy.

During this period, India faced an economic crisis, and Singh's bold reforms helped transform the country's economic path. He implemented crucial liberalisation measures, devalued the rupee, reduced tax burdens, and attracted foreign investment, stabilising India’s economy and setting the stage for future growth.

After Congress’ victory in the Lok Sabha elections in 2004, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi appointed Singh as the Prime Minister. India experienced significant economic growth under Singh’s leadership thereafter.

His regime was focused on inclusive growth, poverty alleviation, and development in various sectors such as education, food security, and employment. His policies paved the way for economic expansion, lifting millions out of poverty.

Dr Singh was elected again in 2009. However, his second term was full of turmoil, as it was marred by challenges such as inflation, corruption scandals, and criticisms surrounding administrative inefficiencies. Despite these controversies, his government continued to make significant strides in economic and social policy, say observers.

Dr Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by several landmark reforms and initiatives.

His government passed legislation guaranteeing food, education, employment, and information rights for citizens. His leadership also solidified India’s role as a prominent player in the global economy, with reforms that helped the country navigate a rapid phase of growth.

Singh was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in 1987, recognising his contributions to economic policymaking.

According to some political commentators, despite facing flak over corruption scandals like the 2G spectrum allocation scam and the Commonwealth Games controversy, Dr Singh’s tenure remained a defining period in Indian political history.

(With inputs from syndicated feed)

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