Manmohan Singh was best PM ever: Montek lauds his intellect, leadership

Former Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia on Friday described Dr Manmohan Singh as the “best qualified PM that any country has ever had”.

Speaking at the launch of the book “Remembering the Great Economist Dr Manmohan Singh: Former Prime Minister of India, Noble Human Being, Visionary-Statesman”, Ahluwalia reflected on Singh’s intellect, humility and leadership — both as Finance Minister and Prime Minister.

Recalling the early 1990s push for bank computerisation, Ahluwalia said Singh personally met with opposing bank unions and political representatives rather than issuing a press note. “Bank union leaders had never been invited to the Finance Minister’s office before,” he said. Singh assured them no jobs would be lost, and explained that without modernisation, public banks risked losing ground to private players.

Recalling Singh’s humility, Ahluwalia said, “Getting tea and samosas is normal, but being personally greeted and shown out by the Finance Minister himself is not. Towards the end, one of the union leaders told Dr Singh that, although he disagreed with him, his son agreed with the Finance Minister.”

In another instance, Ahluwalia recalled that post-liberalisation, attracting investors to India remained a challenge. In London, Dr Singh addressed a gathering of investors and bankers without reading from a prepared speech, aiming to instil confidence through a heartfelt message. “Several people told me afterwards they were convinced our minister knew exactly what to do,” he added.

At the event, Gursharan Kaur, Singh’s wife, said he always worked with honesty and dedication. “He was constantly worried about the nation — its progress, economy, education and the uplift of the poor,” she said.

Editor of the book, S Gurmit Singh, said Dr Singh embodied Sikh values and often credited education for shaping his life. “He sent a clear message to youth — study and strive to achieve your goals,” he said.

On the occasion, leading agricultural scientist and Padma Bhushan SS Johl paid tributes to Manmohan Singh online. Later, Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan officiating president GBS Sidhu welcomed guests and Sadan director Mohinder Singh gave a vote of thanks. Among several luminaries who contributed to the book is Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Sahney.