New Delhi: As India mourns the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister and one of the country's most revered economists, it reflects on a man whose policies and vision redefined India's economic landscape. Dr. Singh, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 92, leaves behind a legacy etched in transformative reforms, unwavering dedication, and profound humility. Known as the architect of India's liberalization, his leadership and foresight steered the nation toward unprecedented economic growth and global integration.

PM Narendra Modi pays last respects to former PM Manmohan Singh at his New Delhi residence on Friday. (Photo: HT)

Born on September 26, 1932, Dr. Singh's journey was marked by academic brilliance and exceptional service to the nation. From serving as Chief Economic Advisor and Governor of the Reserve Bank of India to becoming Finance Minister and eventually Prime Minister, he occupied pivotal roles that shaped India's policy trajectory. His 1991 Budget speech as Finance Minister was a historic moment, heralding liberalization and foreign investment. "No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come," he proclaimed, quoting Victor Hugo, as he unveiled reforms that dismantled decades of protectionism and propelled India toward globalization.

Dr. Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 was characterized by balancing robust economic growth with social equity. Under his leadership, India achieved significant milestones, including the enactment of the National Food Security Act to address hunger and malnutrition, and welfare programs like the Right to Education Act and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. His commitment to inclusive growth reflected his belief that a nation's progress must uplift its most vulnerable citizens.

Even during turbulent times, such as the 2008 global financial crisis, Dr. Singh’s economic acumen shone brightly. His government’s prudent policies helped India achieve a remarkable growth rate of 7.9% during the crisis, reinforcing his reputation as a master of crisis management. Yet, his humility and measured criticism of policies like the 2016 demonetization underscored his deep understanding of India's socio-economic realities and the importance of pragmatic governance.

Dr. Manmohan Singh's legacy is not just one of reforms and policies but also of integrity and wisdom. As he once said, "The greatness of democracy is that we are all birds of passage... It is our duty to be honest and sincere in the discharge of these responsibilities." India bids farewell to a leader who embodied humility, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to the nation's progress. The lessons of Manmohanomics will continue to inspire generations to come.