Dr. Manmohan Singh, India’s 14th Prime Minister, passed away, leaving behind a monumental legacy in Indian politics. Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Singh’s career is marked by his transformative role in shaping India’s economic and political landscape.

Dr. Singh is best known for his leadership during the economic liberalization of the 1990s, when he served as the Finance Minister under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. He is credited with ushering in a series of reforms that dismantled the License Raj, opened up India to global markets, and laid the foundation for the nation’s rapid economic growth in the following decades. His economic policies turned India into one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, while also earning him international acclaim as a skilled economist.

Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 further solidified his reputation as a statesman of exceptional competence and integrity. During his two terms in office, he guided India through several challenges, including the 2008 global financial crisis, and worked towards improving relations with neighboring countries, especially Pakistan and China. His government oversaw significant infrastructure development and improvements in sectors like education and healthcare, though his tenure also faced controversies, particularly regarding issues of corruption.

Despite being a technocrat, Dr. Singh was not a traditional political leader. Known for his calm demeanor and humility, he was often seen as a voice of reason during turbulent times. His leadership style was characterized by consensus-building, and he was respected for his intellectual depth and personal integrity. Singh remained a highly respected figure both within India and on the global stage.

In his later years, Singh continued to contribute to public life as a senior leader of the Indian National Congress and was frequently called upon for his wisdom on key national issues. His legacy, though, will forever be linked to India’s economic transformation, which remains one of his most enduring contributions.

The passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh is a loss not just for his family and party but for the entire nation. His contributions to India’s development and his role as an advocate of peace and diplomacy will remain etched in the nation’s history.