The 92-year-old economist-politician was admitted to the emergency department of AIIMS on Thursday, 26 December. He breathed his last around 9.51 pm.
Published Dec 26, 2024 | 10:32 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 27, 2024 | 12:11 AM
Dr Manmohan Singh - 26 September 1932 - 26 December 2024.
Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on Thursday, 26 December.
The first Indian prime minister from a minority community, Singh was 92. He was admitted to the emergency department of AIIMS on Thursday. He was India’s 14th prime minister.
“With profound grief, we inform the demise of former Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh, aged 92,” AIIMS said in a press release.
“He was being treated for age-related medical conditions and had a sudden loss of consciousness at home on 26th December 2024. Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home,” it further stated.
The premier medical institute further stated that he was brought to the hospital at 8.06 pm. “Despite all efforts, he could not be retrieved and was declared dead at 9:51 pm,” the statement added.
Born in Gah, West Punjab (now in Pakistan), Singh was the fourth longest-serving prime minister after Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Narendra Modi. After the Partition of India, his family shifted to Haldwani in Uttarakhand, before relocating to Amritsar in 1948.
An economist, academician, bureaucrat, and politician, Singh graduated in Economics from the Punjab University in 1952 and took his Masters from the same institution two years later. He later completed his Economics Tripos from the University of Cambridge.
He taught Economics at the Panjab University briefly before joining the University of Oxford for his DPhil. A member of Nuffield College, he researched “India’s Export Performace, 1951-1960, Export Prospects and Policy Implications”.
After earning his doctorate, he returned to Panjab University, where he continued till 1965. He later worked with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and as an advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Trade.
Singh had served as the chief economic adviser and secretary in the Ministry of Finance, before becoming a member of the Planning Commission in 1980. In 9182, he was appointed the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. He held the post till 1985 before he returned to the Planning Commission.
He was also the secretary general of the Geneva-based independent economic policy think tank South Commission. He advised Prime Minister Chandra Shekar on financial matters and also served as the chairman of the University Grants Commission.
Singh rose in India’s political horizon as the finance minister in the PV Narasimha Rao cabinet. He was instrumental in opening up the Indian economy and changing the country’s socialist economy into a liberalised capitalist one. The shift saw the end of the Licence Raj, and paved the way for foreign direct investment, besides initiating the privatisation of public sector companies.
In 2004, the Congress defeated the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls. Sonia Gandhi, who declined to be the prime minister, named Singh to the top office. As the prime minister he strived to improve the living conditions of India’s poor and pushed for a peaceful co-existence with Pakistan.
During Singh’s first term as the prime minister, he was criticised for moving closer to the US, which eventually saw the communist parties withdrawing support to the government. However, Singh managed to win a vote of confidence.
Singh took over the Prime Minister’s Office for a second term in May 2009. His second term was marred by allegations of corruption and a slowing economic growth of the country. He was in office till 17 May 2014 (continued as acting prime minister till Narendra Modi took over on 26 May).
Singh did not contest the 2014 Parliament election but was elected to the Rajya Sabha. He retired from the Upper House in April 2024, ending his 33 years in parliamentary politics.
As the prime minister, Singh won worldwide recognition for his contribution to India’s economy and was ranked 18th on the 2010 Forbes list of the World’s Most Powerful People.
Singh was awarded India’s second highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan, in 1987; the Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary Award of the Indian Science Congress (1995); the Asia Money Award for Finance Minister of the Year (1993 and 1994); the Euro Money Award for Finance Minister of the Year (1993), the Adam Smith Prize of the University of Cambridge (1956); and the Wright’s Prize for Distinguished Performance at St. John’s College in Cambridge (1955).
Singh was honoured by a number of other associations including the Japanese Nihon Keizai Shimbun. He was a recipient of honorary degrees from many universities including the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford.
Singh is survived by his wife Gursharan Kaur, and their daughters Upinder Singh, Daman Singh, and Amrit Singh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Singh made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives.
“India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become 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,” he said on X.
India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic… pic.twitter.com/clW00Yv6oP
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 26, 2024
AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge said India has lost a visionary statesman.
“Undoubtedly, history shall judge you kindly, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji!” he said.
“With the passing of the Former Prime Minister, India has lost a visionary statesman, a leader of unimpeachable integrity, and an economist of unparalleled stature. His policy of Economic Liberalisation and Rights-based welfare paradigm profoundly transformed the lives of crores of Indians, virtually creating a Middle Class in India and lifting crores out of poverty.
I mourn the loss of a lifelong senior colleague, a gentle intellectual and a humble soul who embodied the aspirations of India, having risen through the ranks with unwavering dedication.
I am proud to have been a part of his Cabinet as Labour Minister, Railway Minister and Social Welfare Minister.
A man of action rather than words, his immense contribution to nation-building will forever be etched in the annals of Indian history.
In this moment of sorrow, I extend my deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and countless admirers. May they get the strength to overcome this huge loss.
His enduring legacy of ushering in India’s growth, welfare, and policies of inclusivity will forever be cherished. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Kharge said on X.
BJP national president JP Nadda said the passing of Singh is an loss for the nation.
“A visionary statesman and a stalwart of Indian politics, throughout his remarkable career in public service, he consistently voiced for the welfare of the downtrodden. His leadership earned admiration and respect across party lines. Shri Manmohan Singh ji’s legacy will continue to inspire generations in their pursuit of nation-building. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and admirers. Om Shanti,” he said.
Expressing deep sorrow over the the passing of Singh, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he was “a statesman of unparalleled wisdom, his leadership and vision left an indelible mark on our nation”.
“It was during his tenure as PM that I became the CM of Karnataka for the first time. His encouragement of our budgetary measures and the influence of landmark UPA policies like the Right to Food Act shaped Karnataka’s progress and welfare initiatives,” he said on X.
Offering heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones, Siddaramaiah added that “His legacy will continue to inspire generations.”
AICC General Secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi said few people in politics “inspired the kind of respect that Sardar Manmohan Singh ji did”.
“His honesty will always be an inspiration for us and he will forever stand tall among 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 gentleman in the rough world of politics,” she said on X.
“Mourning a great and good man tonight. #DrManmohanSingh Om Shanti,” Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor said.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy said “One of the greatest economists, leaders, reformer, and above all, a humanitarian of our times Shri #ManmohanSingh ji is no more.”
“A man of virtue, impeccable integrity, marked above all by a humane touch in decision-making, Dr Singh is one of the true architects of new India.
He showed how decency and class are much-needed aspects of political & public life. He is a legend whose passing away, India has lost a great son.
Truly, in his own words, history will treat him far more kindly, and respectfully, than his own times perhaps did,” he said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she was profoundly stunned and saddened by the sudden demise of Singh.
“I had worked with him and saw him from very close quarters in the Union Cabinet. His erudition and wisdom were unquestionable, and the depth of the financial reforms ushered in by him in the country are widely acknowledged.
The country will miss his stewardship and I shall miss his affection,” she said.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu termed Singh an intellectual statesman.
“Dr Singh embodied humility, wisdom, and integrity. From his economic reforms in 1991 as Finance Minister to his leadership as Prime Minister, he served the nation tirelessly and uplifted millions. His passing is a great loss to the nation. My heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones and admirers,” he said.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh ji, former Prime Minister of India and a distinguished statesman committed to the values of secularism and democracy. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones,” Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in his condolence message.
Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh said an extremely full and extraordinarily distinguished life has ended.
“Soft-spoken, sober, and always dignified, he had a steely resolve. He was the technocratic transformer of the Indian economy through his 1991, 1992, and other budgets. His Prime Ministership saw revolutionary legislation relating to rural employment, tribal rights, reservations for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and OBCs, primary education, food security, and land acquisition. The Indo-US nuclear agreement was a landmark that enhanced India’s global status. His Prime Ministership saw the highest GDP growth rate in the country’s history,” he recalled.
“He was a gentleman to the core, and one who bore no ill will or malice to anyone. He believed in and practised the politics of dialogue, consensus, and accommodation even under difficult circumstances. Humility and integrity defined him. Those who sought to besmirch him revealed their own true colours. Many of the initiatives he took as PM were marketed, branded, and projected as his successor’s contributions. But Dr. Singh never minded and would give his trademark smile.
In his inimitable and distinctive way, Dr. Manmohan Singh has left his indelible imprint on our history,” Ramesh added.
Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra said Singh’s contributions were monumental.
“From pioneering economic reforms that opened India’s gates to global markets, to steering the nation through turbulent times as Prime Minister, his contributions remain monumental. He will be remembered for his dignity, his intellect, and his unwavering commitment to India’s progress. May his soul rest in peace, and may his family find strength in this difficult hour,” the BJP leader posted on X.
Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai termed Singh a leader with strong acumen in economics. “His tenure as the Finance Minister of India steered the country towards a liberalised economy, paving the way for the start of India’s bold reforms.
His profound actions spoke more than his words; key legislations such as the Right to Information Act, among others, stand as a testament to his commitment to the welfare of the people. His contribution to the development of India will continue to inspire others in service to the people,” he added.
“Deeply saddened by the sudden demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. His visionary policies and economic reforms laid the foundation for India’s rise as a global power. Heartfelt condolences to his family members. May his soul rest in peace,” former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said.
AICC general secretary and Lok Sabha member KC Venugopal said India has lost a post-independence hero.
“The nation mourns the loss of a giant. A modern great. A post-independence hero.
No amount of words can describe the pain and sorrow we feel because of the passing of former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh ji.
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s legacy is unmatched in the modern era. From his humble beginnings in pre-partition Pakistan to the highest public office in India, Dr. Singh is not just a symbol of excellent hard work and merit but also of the possibilities of post-independence democratic India.
As Finance Minister, he rewrote India’s economic destiny and unleashed the era of growth and prosperity.
Under Dr. Singh as Prime Minister, India’s economic development along with its revolutionary welfare measures took India to the next level in its growth trajectory and India was seen as the next big economic powerhouse of the 21st century.
It is also a deeply personal loss for me, as I have today lost a guide and guru who mentored me during my time as a first-time Minister in the UPA Government. Under his leadership, we were able to usher mass electrification through the Power Ministry and the Civil Aviation Ministry ensured India’s airline sector leapfrogged to meet the needs of a growing middle class.
His contributions will be etched in golden letters in our history books,” he said in a message.
Deepa Dasmunsi said Singh was a visionary statesman who transformed India’s economy.
“True patriot, his integrity will inspire generations. Working with him during UPA 2 was an honor; his guidance was invaluable. We’ve lost a mentor and a national treasure,” the AICC general secretary said.
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala from Kerala said Singh was a wise ruler who transformed India into one of the world’s economic powers.
“He was an economic magician who brought the nation from a miserable situation where even India’s gold reserves had to be taken abroad and pawned to a strong economic security. The nation is indebted to Manmohan Singh for the country’s current economic stability. During India’s crucial period from 2004 to 2014, he led India forward with maturity and strength, without getting discouraged by crises,” Chennithala said.
“Even when he opened the doors of liberalization with the precision of an economist, he did not forget the basic people of the nation. His administrative skills, vision and commitment were evident when he implemented strong social security schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Guarantee Scheme. A staunch secularist, a gentleman, and a moderate, he was a staunch Gandhian. I had a long and close relationship with Dr. Manmohan Singh. His departure causes me great pain. The death of Dr. Manmohan Singh is a great loss to the nation and the Congress,” he added.
