With profound sorrow, we bid farewell to Dr. Manmohan Singh, a visionary leader and the architect of India’s modern economic reforms. His remarkable contributions as a statesman, economist, and reformer have forever shaped the trajectory of our nation.
Dr. Singh once humbly reflected on his achievements, stating, “I am convinced that the emergence of India as a major powerhouse of the evolving global economy is an idea whose time has come.” His transformative reforms in the 1990s laid the foundation for this emergence, steering India through an economic crisis toward growth and prosperity.
His legacy includes several pivotal achievements that made India a global name:
1) Economic Liberalization (1991): As Finance Minister, Dr. Singh introduced reforms that dismantled the License Raj, ended trade barriers, and encouraged foreign investments. These changes not only saved India from an economic crisis but also set the stage for decades of high growth, transforming the country into a competitive global player.
2) IT Revolution: Dr. Singh’s policies, including tax incentives and export-friendly frameworks, nurtured India’s IT and software services sector. Cities like Bengaluru became global hubs, positioning India as a leader in technology and outsourcing, and contributing immensely to foreign exchange reserves and employment.
3) Nuclear Deal with the U.S.: As Prime Minister, Dr. Singh signed the landmark Indo-U.S. Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008, ending decades of nuclear isolation. This deal enhanced India’s energy security, reinforced its position as a responsible nuclear power, and bolstered international strategic partnerships.
4) Financial Inclusion: Recognising the need for equitable growth, Dr. Singh championed reforms to expand rural banking, improve credit access, and implement schemes like MGNREGA. His initiatives empowered millions in rural areas and significantly reduced poverty rates.
5) Education and Infrastructure Development: Dr. Singh prioritized education, introducing policies to improve literacy and access to quality schooling. Simultaneously, he spearheaded large-scale infrastructure projects like highways, airports, and power grids, which modernized India and supported sustained economic growth.
6) India’s Rise as a Global Economy: Under his leadership, India’s GDP grew significantly, and its economy diversified into services, manufacturing, and exports.
His advice to the youth resonates deeply: “The future of our nation depends on the education and values we impart to our youth. Build a society based on hard work, tolerance, and mutual respect.”
Today, as we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life devoted to service. Dr. Singh will forever be remembered as the modern economic reformer of India, whose vision will inspire generations.
Rest in peace, Dr. Singh. Your legacy lives on in the heart of India.
Farewell to the Architect of Modern India: Dr. Manmohan Singh’s Legacy Lives On
