India has declared seven days of state mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, a key architect of the country’s economic liberalisation in the early 1990s. Singh, who served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, passed away at the age of 92 late Thursday evening at a hospital in New Delhi. As a mark of respect, the Indian government announced that national mourning would continue until January 1, and Singh will be honoured with a state funeral.
The Indian government issued a statement on Friday, confirming the mourning period and the decision to hold a state funeral for Singh. The national flag will fly at half-mast across official buildings, and public events will be suspended in his memory. In a gesture of respect, the Indian cricket team, playing in the fourth Test match against Australia in Melbourne, wore black armbands.
While the exact date of the state funeral has not been confirmed, a senior Congress Party leader indicated that it could take place on Saturday.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the former leader, describing him as “one of India’s most distinguished leaders.” Tributes also poured in from the media, with headlines reflecting Singh’s pivotal role in shaping the nation’s modern economy. The Times of India called him the “man who liberated India’s dreams,” while The Indian Express highlighted his role in opening India to the world.
A Technocrat with Vision
Manmohan Singh, often described as a quiet and reserved technocrat, was largely credited with steering India through an economic transformation during his first term. Under his leadership, India witnessed rapid economic growth and became one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Singh’s economic reforms in the early 1990s, which included liberalising trade and markets, laid the foundation for India’s rise as an economic power.
However, Singh’s second term was marred by a series of high-profile corruption scandals, as well as sluggish economic growth, high inflation, and rising public discontent. His administration’s failure to tackle these issues and the lack of strong leadership from the Congress Party, led by Rahul Gandhi, ultimately contributed to the landslide victory of Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2014 general elections.
Born in 1932 in the small village of Gah (now part of Pakistan), Singh came from humble beginnings. His academic journey took him to prestigious institutions: he earned a first-class degree in economics from Cambridge University and completed his doctorate at Oxford University. Singh’s career spanned numerous senior roles in India’s civil service, and he served as the governor of the Reserve Bank of India. He also held various positions with global organizations, including the United Nations.
Singh’s political career began in earnest in 1991, when he was appointed Finance Minister by then Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao. At a time when India was facing a severe financial crisis, Singh implemented bold reforms that stabilized the economy and set the stage for future growth. His tenure as Finance Minister is often credited with turning India into a global economic player.
Legacy of Economic Reforms and Global Influence
During his first term as Prime Minister, Singh oversaw a period of remarkable economic growth, with India achieving an average annual growth rate of 9%. This period helped elevate India’s global stature and opened new opportunities for foreign investment and international trade.
A key achievement of Singh’s leadership was the historic nuclear deal with the United States, which he championed. The agreement allowed India to access civilian nuclear technology, addressing the country’s growing energy needs and marking a significant step in India’s global relations.
Conclusion:
Manmohan Singh’s death marks the end of an era in Indian politics. His legacy as a reformist leader who modernized India’s economy will endure, despite the controversies that marked his later years in office. As India mourns the loss of one of its most respected leaders, the country reflects on his contributions to economic growth, global diplomacy, and his tireless work to reshape India’s future. His state funeral will be a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the service of the nation.