Dr Manmohan Singh, ex-prime minister, dies at 92

On September 26, 2024, Dr. Manmohan Singh celebrated his 92nd birthday. Several leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and Rahul Gandhi, extended their greetings and praised his contributions to the nation's development.

Here are top 10 interesting and captivating facts about Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

India's First Sikh Prime Minister

Manmohan Singh was India's first Sikh Prime Minister, serving from 2004 to 2014. Under his leadership, India made significant progress in economic and social reforms.

1

The Architect of Economic Reforms

Dr. Manmohan Singh is considered the father of India’s economic reforms. In 1991, when India was facing an economic crisis, he implemented policies of liberalization, privatization, and globalization as the Finance Minister, which propelled the Indian economy to new heights.

2

Scholar from Oxford and Cambridge

Manmohan Singh completed his education at Oxford University and earned his doctorate from Cambridge University. His academic work earned him global recognition in the field of economics.

3

The Unsung Hero

Due to his calm and simple demeanor, he is often referred to as the "Unsung Hero" of Indian politics. He focused on his work rather than seeking fame or attention.

4

Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

Dr. Manmohan Singh served as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India from 1982 to 1985. During his tenure, the RBI implemented several important economic policies.

5

Reluctant Entry into Politics

Manmohan Singh had no special interest in joining politics. However, Prime Minister Narasimha Rao persuaded him to become the Finance Minister in 1991, a decision that transformed India’s economy.

6

Hardly Contested Elections

Throughout his long political career, Manmohan Singh contested only once in the 1999 Lok Sabha elections, which he lost. He later entered Parliament through the Rajya Sabha.

7

Blend of Bureaucracy and Politics

Manmohan Singh's career began in the civil services. He held important positions like Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission and Finance Secretary. He utilized his administrative experience effectively as Prime Minister.

8

An Example of Simplicity and Humility

Dr. Singh is known for his humility and simplicity. Even during his tenure as Prime Minister, he led a modest lifestyle, staying away from pomp and grandeur.

9

‘The Accidental Prime Minister’

A book and film titled ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’ depicted Manmohan Singh as a thoughtful but politically pressured figure, showcasing the complexities of his leadership.

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