India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92. Widely regarded as the architect of India's economic reform program, Singh's contributions to the nation have left an indelible mark on its history.
Singh, who served as the Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, was admitted to New Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences after a sudden loss of consciousness at home. Despite resuscitative efforts, he was declared dead at 9:51 PM on December 26, 2024.
Born on September 26, 1932, in the Punjab province of undivided India, Singh's academic brilliance took him to Cambridge University and later to Oxford University, where he earned his doctorate in economics. His tenure as Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996 saw the implementation of key economic reforms that opened India to the global market.
Singh's leadership as Prime Minister was marked by significant achievements, including a landmark nuclear deal with the United States. However, his second term was marred by allegations of corruption, which contributed to the Congress Party's defeat in the 2014 national elections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who succeeded Singh, described him as one of India's "most distinguished leaders" and praised his efforts to improve the lives of the Indian people. Rahul Gandhi, the opposition leader, remembered Singh as a mentor and guide, whose wisdom and integrity inspired the nation.
Manmohan Singh's legacy as a mild-mannered technocrat and a man of great personal integrity will be remembered by millions. His contributions to India's economic policy and his efforts to steer the country towards unprecedented growth have cemented his place in history.
