In a world often divided by ideology and discord, few individuals transcend borders to leave an indelible mark on the minds of so many people from so many backgrounds. Dr. Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India, was one such figure—a statesman of unparalleled integrity, a scholar of profound intellect, and a leader who wore humility like a second skin.
Dr. Singh passed away peacefully on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the annals of history. As a Pakistani journalist reflecting on his life, it is impossible not to admire the quiet strength and steadfast dedication with which he steered India through some of its most transformative years.
Humble Beginnings in Gah
Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, a small village now in Pakistan’s Punjab province, Dr. Singh’s early life was marked by modesty, simplicity, and a deep thirst for knowledge. His father, Gurmukh Singh, and mother, Amrit Kaur, passed on values of hard work and integrity, which became hallmarks of his life. Gah, where he spent his formative years, held a special place in his heart throughout his life. He often expressed a heartfelt desire to visit his birthplace during his tenure as Prime Minister, a poignant reminder of the shared cultural and historical roots of India and Pakistan.
After partition, Dr. Singh moved with his family to India, where he continued his education. His academic journey was distinguished; he completed his Economics Tripos at the University of Cambridgein 1957, graduated with honors and soon pursued a doctorate at the University of Oxford. During his time at Cambridge, he was influenced by renowned economists Joan Robinson and Nicholas Kaldor, who awakened his interest in the creative role of politics in shaping human affairs. His thesis on “India’s Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth” underscored his foresight and expertise in development economics, laying the foundation for his future as an economic reformer.
Architect of India’s Economic Liberalisation
Dr. Singh’s career as an economist and policymaker spanned several decades, during which he held critical roles in shaping India’s economic framework. His early contributions included serving as Chief Economic Adviser (1972–76) and later as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (1982–85). However, his most notable contribution came during his tenure as Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996, a period marked by an unprecedented economic crisis.
In 1991, India faced a balance-of-payments crisis so severe that the government had to mortgage gold reserves to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It was in this dire situation that Dr. Singh, appointed Finance Minister in Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao’s government, introduced sweeping economic reforms that dismantled decades of protectionism. He reduced import tariffs, eliminated license controls, and opened India’s economy to foreign investment.
His tenure as Prime Minister (2004–2014) was marked by significant accomplishments. India’s GDP growth rate averaged 8% during much of his term, earning it a reputation as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world
His iconic budget speech that year included the now-famous quote: “No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come.” The reforms, though initially controversial, are credited with transforming India into a global economic powerhouse. By the late 1990s, GDP growth surged, millions were lifted out of poverty, and India’s burgeoning middle class began to flourish. His policies fundamentally altered India’s economic trajectory and remain a cornerstone of the nation’s development story.
Leadership as Prime Minister
In 2004, Sonia Gandhi surprised many by nominating Dr. Singh as Prime Minister after the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) won the general election. Dr. Singh became the first Sikh to hold India’s highest political office, a milestone in the nation’s history.
His tenure as Prime Minister (2004–2014) was marked by significant accomplishments. India’s GDP growth rate averaged 8% during much of his term, earning it a reputation as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Landmark policies such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Right to Information Act reflected his commitment to inclusive growth and governance transparency. Under his leadership, India also made strides in healthcare and education, including the establishment of the National Rural Health Mission.
For us in Pakistan, Dr. Singh represented the possibility of peaceful coexistence. His tenure is remembered for his efforts to foster peace and dialogue between the two nations
On the global stage, Dr. Singh fostered stronger relationships with major powers, particularly the United States. His tenure saw the historic U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008, a deal that ended decades of nuclear isolation for India and enabled access to advanced nuclear technology. It was a diplomatic coup that elevated India’s global standing as a responsible nuclear power.
Advocate for Peace in South Asia
For us in Pakistan, Dr. Singh represented the possibility of peaceful coexistence. His tenure is remembered for his efforts to foster peace and dialogue between the two nations. In 2005, during the tenure of Pakistan’s military dictator Pervez Musharraf, Dr. Singh engaged in backchannel diplomacy that many believed could have resolved the Kashmir issue. Although the peace process eventually stalled, his belief in dialogue and diplomacy never wavered.
His repeated expressions of longing to visit Gah underscored his deep emotional connection to Pakistan and his vision of a South Asia united by shared history and mutual respect. His commitment to dialogue and diplomacy earned him respect on both sides of the border. Despite the many challenges, his unwavering belief in the power of negotiation remained a beacon of hope in the often turbulent waters of India-Pakistan relations.
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s speech in Thimphu during the 2010 SAARC Summit, where he emphasised the importance of dialogue and regional cooperation, became a focal point of criticism by hawks in India. His candid acknowledgment of the need to “trust but verify” in relations with Pakistan while advocating for a forward-looking partnership was seen by many Indian critics as overly conciliatory. However, from the perspective of a Pakistani journalist who has worked for peace between the two countries, his words represented a rare moment of pragmatism and hope for this scribe.
Dr. Singh’s willingness to address contentious issues without resorting to inflammatory rhetoric demonstrated his commitment to fostering a peaceful South Asia, even if it came at a personal political cost. His approach served as a reminder of the potential for dialogue to bridge deep divides, offering a glimpse of what could be achieved if leaders on both sides prioritised peace over populism. His leadership style—a blend of pragmatism and empathy—offered a stark contrast to the often inflammatory rhetoric that has characterised India-Pakistan relations.
Beyond politics, Dr. Singh was a devoted husband to his wife, Gursharan Kaur, whom he married in 1958, and a loving father to their three daughters: Upinder, Daman, and Amrit. His personal life, much like his public one, was a testament to his values of simplicity and grace
Challenges and Criticism
No leader’s tenure is without challenges, and Dr. Singh’s was no exception. His second term as Prime Minister was marred by corruption scandals involving senior members of his government, including the 2G spectrum allocation scam and coal block allocations. These controversies dented his government’s credibility, leading to significant political setbacks for the UPA in 2014.
However, even his critics rarely questioned his integrity. His reputation as a man of honesty and decency remained intact, and he often bore the brunt of criticism for actions that were beyond his direct control.
A Life of Simplicity and Grace
Beyond politics, Dr. Singh was a devoted husband to his wife, Gursharan Kaur, whom he married in 1958, and a loving father to their three daughters: Upinder, Daman, and Amrit. His personal life, much like his public one, was a testament to his values of simplicity and grace. His personal life reflected the same simplicity and grace that defined his public persona. Anecdotes from his family reveal his deep commitment to education, evident in his daughters’ successful careers in academia and writing.
Legacy
As we bid farewell to this towering figure, we in Pakistan mourn not just a statesman but a symbol of what South Asia could achieve through dialogue and cooperation. Dr. Singh’s life exemplified the power of intellect over impulsiveness, humility over arrogance, and dialogue over division. His policies, leadership, and vision continue to inspire leaders on both sides of the border.
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s story is one of perseverance, intellect, and humanity. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy guide future generations toward peace and prosperity —on both sides of the border and beyond.
The writer is a staff member and an advocate for peace and human rights for thirty years.