Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Passes Away at 92
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was a distinguished economist and veteran Congress leader. He passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. He was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. A multidisciplinary team of doctors cared for him there. The specific cause of his hospitalization was not immediately disclosed.
Final Parliamentary Address
In his last address to Parliament, Singh delivered a poignant critique of the demonetization policy implemented in 2016, describing it as a “sanctioned and lawful raid.” His remarks underscored his concerns about the policy’s impact on the economy and the common populace.
A Trailblazing Economist and Statesman
Manmohan Singh was born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan). He was a trailblazer in Indian politics. Notably, he served as the country’s first Sikh Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014. His academic journey was illustrious. He earned degrees from Panjab University, St John’s College, Cambridge. He also received a DPhil from Nuffield College, Oxford. Before his tenure as Prime Minister, Singh was appointed as the Finance Minister in June 1991 under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao’s government, where he played a pivotal role in liberalizing India’s economy.
Parliamentary Tenure and Contributions
Singh’s parliamentary career was marked by his representation in the Rajya Sabha, India’s Upper House of Parliament. He entered the Rajya Sabha in 1991, representing Assam for five consecutive terms. In 2019, he shifted his representation to Rajasthan. Throughout his tenure, Singh was known for his soft-spoken demeanor and his profound impact on India’s economic policies.
Nation Mourns a Visionary Leader
Manmohan Singh’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian politics. As the nation mourns his loss, tributes are pouring in from all sectors of society, reflecting on his contributions to India’s economic transformation and his steadfast leadership during challenging times.
