Manmohan Singh: The visionary who shaped India’s destiny

India mourns the loss of Dr Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26, 2024. A leader of unparalleled intellect and humility, Dr Singh’s legacy as an economist, reformer and Prime Minister has profoundly shaped the nation.

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As Finance Minister in 1991, Dr Singh faced a crippling economic crisis with courage and initiated liberalisation reforms that transformed India's economy. Despite initial controversy, his vision laid the foundation for the country’s economic resurgence.

Dr Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 saw landmark initiatives such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Right to Information Act and the National Food Security Act. These policies empowered millions, especially the marginalised, reflecting his deep empathy for the underprivileged and his commitment to social equity.

In Haryana, where his Kohli family’s roots lie in Yamunanagar, Dr Singh’s contributions were extraordinary. During his premiership, Haryana witnessed significant development with the establishment of institutions such as IIM Rohtak and AIIMS Jhajjar. His support for Industrial Model Townships and Metro rail expansion boosted employment, connectivity and industrial growth, making Haryana a leader in employment generation and per capita income.

“The welfare of our farmers must remain at the heart of our policies. A prosperous farmer means a prosperous India,” Dr Singh had said when I, as an MP, led a delegation of farmers to discuss a fertilizer price rollback. His words reflected his unwavering commitment to the agrarian community, resonating deeply with Haryana’s ethos.

Despite holding the highest office, Dr Singh’s humility and simplicity remained his hallmark. His integrity, even amid political challenges, was unshakeable. He faced criticism during his tenure with characteristic grace, prioritising the nation over political considerations.

His leadership was characterised by dialogue and consensus-building. Even after stepping down as Prime Minister, Dr Singh’s dedication to Haryana and India never wavered and he remained a guiding light for progress.

As we bid farewell to this extraordinary statesman, let us honour his vision of a modern, equitable and just India. May his life inspire generations to come and may his soul rest in peace.