Manmohan Singh (1932-2024) was a highly respected Indian economist, bureaucrat, and politician. His significant contributions to India’s economic and political landscape left a lasting legacy.

Wiki/Biography

Born on Monday, September 26, 1932 (age 92 at the time of death), in Gah, Chakwal, Punjab, British India (now Punjab, Pakistan), Manmohan Singh was named after the first letter appearing on a page of the Guru Granth Sahib. His early education was in Urdu at Khalsa High School for Boys, Peshawar. After the partition, his family moved to Amritsar, where he continued his studies. Even at 13, he displayed a keen understanding of political issues, participating in debates and enjoying hockey and football.

He excelled academically, achieving first-class honors in both his 10th and 12th-grade examinations from Panjab University. He went on to earn Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Economics from Government College, Panjab University, and later a Tripos in Economics from the University of Cambridge (1957).

His academic achievements continued with a Doctorate in Philosophy from Oxford University (1962), culminating in the publication of his doctoral thesis as the book “India’s Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth.”

Family, Wife & Caste

Manmohan Singh hailed from a Kohli Sikh family (Kukrain), the son of Gurmukh Singh and Amrit Kaur. His father was a dry fruit importer from Afghanistan. After losing his mother at a young age, he was raised by his paternal grandmother. He also had a brother who died young. His stepmother, Sitawanti Kaur, played a significant role in his upbringing.

He had three half-brothers – Surinder Singh Kohli, Daljit Singh Kohli, and Surjeet Singh Kohli – all involved in politics. He also had six half-sisters. Manmohan Singh married Gursharan Kaur on September 14, 1958. The couple had three daughters: Amrit Singh (a human rights lawyer), Daman Singh (a writer), and Upinder Singh (a historian).

Career

Academics

His academic career included stints as a senior lecturer, reader, and professor of Economics at Panjab University. He also served as a professor of International Trade at the Delhi School of Economics.

Politics

Manmohan Singh’s political career began in 1991 when he was appointed Union Finance Minister by P.V. Narasimha Rao. His tenure was marked by significant economic reforms, including dismantling the “Licence Raj.”

He served in various political capacities, including as a member of the Rajya Sabha (multiple terms), Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. His role as Prime Minister spanned two terms from 2004 to 2014, a period characterized by significant economic growth and global engagement.

In 2004 and 2009 he became the 13th Prime Minister of India, leading the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. Notable achievements of his Prime Ministership include the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) and strengthening anti-terrorist laws with the establishment of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Beyond Prime Ministership, Singh remained an active member of Parliament, continuing his service to the nation.

Other Works

His extensive career encompassed roles at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and the Planning Commission of India. He served in various advisory capacities to several Prime Ministers and held key positions in various international organizations.

Awards/Honors

Manmohan Singh received numerous prestigious awards and honors throughout his life, recognizing his significant contributions to economics, politics, and public service. Some of his major accolades include:

• Padma Vibhushan
• Euromoney Award – Finance Minister of the Year
• Indira Gandhi Peace Prize
• Numerous honorary doctorates from universities worldwide

He was also bestowed with numerous other awards and honorary doctorates from several prestigious institutions globally.

Signature

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Controversies

Manmohan Singh faced several controversies throughout his career. These included accusations related to a securities scandal during his tenure as Finance Minister and criticism regarding his handling of certain issues during his time as Prime Minister. Specific allegations included the 2G spectrum case and the Coal Allocation Scam.

Properties/Assets

At the time of his passing, Manmohan Singh owned two flats, gold jewelry, and a Maruti 800 car. Details regarding the exact value of his assets can be found in public records.

Salary & Net Worth

As a Rajya Sabha member, his salary and allowances were in line with the prescribed norms. His net worth is a matter of public record, with figures available from past years.

Death

Manmohan Singh passed away on December 26, 2024, at AIIMS, New Delhi, due to age-related illness.

Favourite Things

He enjoyed Missi Roti, Vadiyaan, Pulao and Chhole. He admired Mahatma Gandhi and the poetry of Iqbal.

Facts

• His roll number was 187 at his village school in Gah, Peshawar.
• He chose science subjects over humanities in high school.
• He served five consecutive terms in the Rajya Sabha.
• He couldn’t read Hindi, preferring to prepare speeches in Urdu.
• He underwent several cardiac bypass surgeries.
• His hobbies included poetry, reading, writing, and music.

Key Dates and Events

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