Manmohan Singh (26 September 1932 – 26 December 2024) was a distinguished Indian politician, economist, and academic who served as the 13th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014. He was the first Sikh to hold the position and one of India’s longest-serving Prime Ministers. Known for his economic acumen, Singh is celebrated for his role in liberalizing India’s economy during the 1991 economic crisis and for steering the country through a decade of rapid growth during his tenure as Prime Minister.
In this article, we delve into the life of Manmohan Singh, exploring his early years, illustrious career, significant contributions to India, personal life, and lasting legacy. This comprehensive account covers his education, political journey, achievements, and the impact he made both nationally and globally.
Manmohan Singh: Short Details
| Full Name | Manmohan Singh |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 26 September 1932 |
| Date of Death | 26 December 2024 |
| Age | 92 years |
| Profession | Economist, Politician, Academic |
| Political Party | Indian National Congress |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Education | Panjab University, St. John’s College (Cambridge), Nuffield College (Oxford) |
| Major Positions Held | Prime Minister (2004–2014), Finance Minister (1991–1996), Governor of RBI (1982–1985) |
| Awards | Padma Vibhushan, World Statesman Award, Forbes World’s Most Powerful People |
| Spouse | Gursharan Kaur |
| Children | 3 (Upinder, Daman, and Amrit Singh) |
Early Life and Education
Manmohan Singh was born on 26 September 1932 in Gah, Punjab Province, British India (now Pakistan). His family migrated to India during the Partition of 1947. Raised in a humble household, Singh excelled in academics from an early age. After completing his schooling in Urdu-medium institutions, he pursued higher education at Panjab University, earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in economics.
In 1957, Singh completed his Economics Tripos at St. John’s College, Cambridge. He later earned a DPhil in Economics from Nuffield College, Oxford, with a thesis on India’s export performance. His exposure to influential economists like Joan Robinson and Nicholas Kaldor shaped his understanding of economic development.
Early Career
After completing his studies, Singh began his career as a lecturer at Panjab University and later served as an economist at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). His expertise brought him back to India, where he held key roles in economic policymaking, including:
- Chief Economic Advisor (1972–1976): Providing critical guidance during turbulent economic periods.
- Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (1982–1985): Overseeing significant financial reforms.
- Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission (1985–1987): Shaping India’s development trajectory.
Political Career and Achievements
Finance Minister (1991–1996)
Singh’s entry into politics came during a pivotal moment in India’s history. Appointed Finance Minister by Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao in 1991, Singh led India out of an economic crisis through bold reforms, including:
- Liberalization of the Indian Economy: Ending the License Raj and opening markets to foreign investment.
- Structural Reforms: Modernizing banking, reducing import tariffs, and boosting industrial growth.
These measures transformed India into one of the fastest-growing economies globally.
Prime Minister of India (2004–2014)
First Term (2004–2009):
- Economic Growth: Oversaw a period of 8-9% GDP growth, making India the second fastest-growing major economy.
- Flagship Programs: Launched the National Rural Health Mission, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), and the Right to Information Act.
- Nuclear Agreement: Signed the historic Indo-US nuclear deal, enabling civilian nuclear cooperation.
Second Term (2009–2014):
- Education Reforms: Enacted the Right to Education Act, making education a fundamental right.
- Social Initiatives: Continued focus on healthcare, rural development, and women’s welfare.
- Global Diplomacy: Strengthened ties with the US, China, and Russia while co-founding BRICS, a coalition of emerging economies.
Family and Personal Life
Manmohan Singh married Gursharan Kaur in 1958. They had three daughters—Upinder, Daman, and Amrit Singh—all of whom excelled in their respective fields. A private and humble individual, Singh’s personal life remained grounded despite his towering achievements.
| Family Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Gursharan Kaur | Wife |
| Upinder Singh | Historian, Professor |
| Daman Singh | Author |
| Amrit Singh | Attorney at ACLU |
Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Weight | 68 kg |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | White |
| Distinguishing Feature | Turban, white beard |
Net Worth and Income Sources
| Net Worth (2024) | ₹15 Crore (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Primary Income Sources | Political Service, Lectures |
| Additional Streams | Academic Contributions |
Lesser-Known Facts
- Manmohan Singh was India’s first Sikh Prime Minister.
- He preferred writing Hindi speeches in Urdu script.
- Singh survived an assassination attempt during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
- Despite his political stature, he drove a modest Maruti 800.
- He declined to run for the Lok Sabha, focusing instead on the Rajya Sabha.
- Singh was lauded internationally for his economic reforms.
- He authored a seminal book on India’s export performance.
- Singh had a passion for classical Indian music.
- He was fluent in multiple languages, including Urdu, Punjabi, and English.
- Singh remained a scholar at heart, delivering guest lectures at global universities.
FAQs
Q: What was Manmohan Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister?
A: He served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014.
Q: Did Manmohan Singh win the Lok Sabha elections?
A: No, he primarily served as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
Q: What is Singh’s legacy as an economist?
A: Singh is credited with liberalizing India’s economy and initiating structural reforms in 1991.
Q: How many children did Manmohan Singh have?
A: He had three daughters—Upinder, Daman, and Amrit Singh.
Q: What major awards did Singh receive?
A: Padma Vibhushan, World Statesman Award, and inclusion in Forbes’ Most Powerful People list.
Q: What are Singh’s notable contributions to education?
A: He introduced the Right to Education Act and expanded access to higher education.
Q: When did Manmohan Singh pass away?
A: Singh died on 26 December 2024 at the age of 92.
Conclusion
Manmohan Singh’s life was a testament to integrity, humility, and dedicated service. His contributions as an economist and statesman left an indelible mark on India’s economic and political landscape. As a visionary leader, he will be remembered for steering the country toward prosperity and growth while upholding the highest standards of public service.
NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details independently from reliable sources.
