An economist, a thinker, and a scholar, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was regarded for his diligence and his academic approach to work. In addition to his political career, Dr Singh held various governmental positions including Secretary in the Ministry of Finance; Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission (now NITI Ayog); Governor of the Reserve Bank of India; Advisor of the Prime Minister; and Chairman of the University Grants Commission.

In his political career, he has been a Member of India’s Upper House of Parliament (the Rajya Sabha) since 1991, where he was Leader of the Opposition between 1998 and 2004. He was sworn in as Prime Minister on May 22 after the 2004 general elections and took the oath of office for a second term on 22nd May 2009.

Key milestones in Dr. Manmohan Singh’s life

1932: Born on September 26 in Gah village, Punjab province, undivided India.

1948: Completed Matriculation examinations from Punjab University.

1957: Graduated with First Class Honours in Economics.

1962: Earned a D.Phil. in Economics from Nuffield College, Oxford.

1964: Published “India’s Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth,” critiquing India’s inward-oriented trade policies.

1971: Joined the Government of India as Economic Advisor, Ministry of Commerce.

1972: Appointed Chief Economic Advisor, Ministry of Finance.

1991: Assumed office as Finance Minister of India, ushering in economic liberalization.

2004: Became Prime Minister on May 22.

2009: Took oath for his second term as Prime Minister on May 22.

2024: Dr Manmohan Singh passed away on December 26, at the age of 92.

Awards and Recognitions

• Dr. Singh received numerous accolades throughout his life, including:
• Padma Vibhushan (1987): India’s second-highest civilian honor.
• Adam Smith Prize (1956): For academic excellence at Cambridge.
• Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary Award (1995): Indian Science Congress.
• Asia Money Award for Finance Minister of the Year (1993, 1994).
• Euro Money Award for Finance Minister of the Year (1993).

Honored with degrees from esteemed institutions, including Cambridge and Oxford.

A Lasting Legacy

Dr. Manmohan Singh’s contributions as an economist, policymaker, and leader have left an indelible mark on India and the global community. His vision and intellect reshaped India’s economic landscape, while his humility and dedication continue to inspire millions. As India mourns his passing, the world remembers him as a statesman of unmatched wisdom and integrity.