Hope History Will Be Kinder To Me: Dr. Manmohan Singh, The Scholar, Economist & Unlikely Statesman

With the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh at 92, India bids farewell to a leader whose career was as improbable as it was transformative. A man of intellect and integrity, he ascended from the dusty lanes of Gah, now in Pakistan, to become Indias 14th Prime Minister, steering the country through both economic crises and geopolitical turmoil. Singh's legacy is one of contradictions: a technocrat who led with humility, a scholar who shaped history, and a reluctant statesman who, despite shunning the limelight, became the architect of India’s economic renaissance.

Born in 1932, Singh’s formative years in a small village in Punjab seemed distant from the political maelstrom that would later define his career. Yet, his academic pursuits — first at Punjab University, followed by Cambridge and Oxford — laid the foundation for his future in policy-making. A man of few words and even fewer public appearances, Singhs genius lay in his steady, measured approach to governance, a stark contrast to the bombastic political theater that often surrounded him. Singh's tenure as Prime Minister, from 2004 to 2014, saw India’s economy soar with an average growth rate of 7.7%.

His government embraced economiic liberalization, but his legacy is not confined to statistics. It lies in his quiet yet decisive leadership during national crises. When Mumbai was attacked in 2008, there was immense pressure to strike back militarily. But Singh, with characteristic restraint, opted for diplomacy, preventing a catastrophic escalation with Pakistan. His choice, politically costly as it was, ensured that the two nuclear-armed neighbors did not hurtle towards a devastating conflict.

Barack Obama, in his memoir A Promised Land, reflects on his interactions with Singh during a 2010 visit, praising the Prime Minister for his role in India’s economic ascension. Yet, Obama also acknowledged the political toll Singh paid for his restrained approach to foreign policy, particularly after the Mumbai attacks. Singh's greatest test, however, came in 1991, when India teetered on the edge of economic collapse. As Finance Minister, he faced a dire situation: foreign reserves so low they could barely cover three weeks of imports.

His bold, albeit controversial, reforms — including economic liberalization and a devaluation of the rupee — pulled India back from the brink, paving the way for an economic transformation that would unfold over the next three decades. But through it all, Singh ably supported by then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, remained unfazed by the limelight, his focus solely on policy rather than personal glory. As Prime Minister, Singh's government prioritized inclusive growth and social justice. Landmark legislation such as the Right to Education and the Right to Food Act embodied his vision of equitable growth.

His foreign policy was characterized by pragmatism, which helped secure India’s place in a rapidly changing global order without resorting to populist rhetoric. Despite his successes, Singh's tenure was not without controversy. The medias nickname for him, “Man Maun Singh” — the silent man — often reflected his reluctance to address the mounting corruption allegations within his government and his role when he apparently played second fiddle to Congress matriarch Sonia Gandhi and her strategists. However, history may well be kinder to him.

His was not the brash leadership of populist politics; it was the quiet, diligent leadership that weathered scandals, coalition politics, and a rapidly evolving global economy. He led not through forceful rhetoric, but through steady governance. Singh’s political career spanned over five decades, and his impact on India’s growth is immeasurable. From introducing the Goods and Services Tax to negotiating the landmark nuclear deal with the United States, Singh's economic reforms have reshaped India’s future.

But perhaps his most enduring legacy is the example he set — that greatness need not be loud, and integrity is not just a political asset but a national one. INDIA-US CIVI NUCLEAR DEAL A CROWNING GLORY OF SINGH 7 DAYS MOURNING announced that they would cooperate in civil nuclear energy following Singh's talks with then American President George W Bush. In an address at a joint session of the US Congress on July 19, Singh elaborated on the need for India-US collaboration in the civil nuclear energy sector and explained New Delhis impeccable record in nuclear ment with the United States in 2008 will remain a crowning glory for Manmohan Singh's prime ministership in the foreign policy domain as it not only ended the country’s nuclear apartheid but created a favourable geopolitical conIndia’s epochal civil nuclear agreefiguration. Singh, the then prime minister, was so convinced about the futuristic outcomes of the historic deal he showed steely determination to push it strongly though the survival of his government was at stake during a noconfidence vote in Parliament.

The civil nuclear deal changed India's overall engagement with the US as it paved the way for building the bonds of a strategic partnership, especially in areas of high-technology and defence. In July 2005, India and the US come with non-proliferation. “We have adhered scrupulously to every rule and canon in this area. We have done so even though we have witnessed unchecked nuclear proliferation in our own neighbourhood which has directly affected our security interests,” he had said. "This is because India, as a responsible nuclear power, is fully conscious trade. of the immense responsibilities that the possession of advanced technologies, both civilian and strategic," Singh said. "We have never been, and will never be, a source of proliferation of sensitive technologies," he said.

Following a series of negotiations, the TAEA approved the safeguards agreement with India on August 1, 2008 following which approached the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) to grant a waiver to New Delhi to commence civilian nuclear The NSG granted the waiver to India on September 6, 2008, allowing it to access civilian nuclear technology and fuel from other countries. The agreement was signed by then External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and his US counterpart Condoleezza Rice, on October 10. 3 Trifd CONDOLENCES & TRIBUTES “India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he became a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years. His interventions in Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X. “The news of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s passing is very sad.

From the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India to the Finance Minister and then Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh fulfilled major responsibilities in the country’s administration. | express my condolences to his family and supporters. May God give peace to his soul and strength to his family to bear this loss,” Amit Shah said. Manmohan Singh Jiled India with immense wisdom and integrity. His humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the nation. My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Kaur and the family. I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride,” the US Rahul Gandhi, LoP, said on X. Few people in politics inspire the kind of respect that Sardar Manmohan Singh Ji did. His honesty will always be an inspiration for us, and he will forever stand tallamong those who truly love this country as someone who remained steadfast in his commitment to serve the nation despite being subjected to unfair and deeply personal attacks by his opponents.

He was genuinely egalitarian, wise, strong-willed, and courageous until the end. A uniquely dignified and gentle man in the rough world of politics,” Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said on X. With the demise of our Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh ji, we have lost a great scholar, economist & statesman. His contributions in Indian economic reforms, serving our Nation as PM for 10 years, will be remembered forever. My heartfelt tributes to him. Deepest condolences to his family, friends and admirers. %> qMifd | Devendra Fadnavis, said.