TRIBUTE TO DR. MANMOHAN SINGH – THE PIONEER OF ECONOMIC REFORMS

Nation must not forget Dr. Manmohan Singh's integrity, soft-spoken demeanor, and intellectual brilliance which earned him respect across political and ideological spectrums, beyond his colossal professional accomplishments as he exemplified dignity, humility, and a selfless dedication towards the progress of India.

With the demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh, India has lost one of its greatest economic reformists. His unprecedented contribution to lifting the country's economy through liberalization made him the pioneer of economic reforms. Today our nation mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, a great son who was most learned, visionary, a global economist Dr. Manmohan Singh. Infact those who were vociferous and critical of him, his silence rejected them with the message of Global Economic Welfare. He will be remembered as a true statesman whose legacy will endure in the annals of history as a cornerstone of modern India's economic transformation. Dr. Singh's tenure as Finance Minister in year 1991 and earlier as the architect of India's landmark economic reforms heralded a new era for India. His visionary leadership in opening the Indian economy to globalization not only rescued the country from a severe balance-of-payments crisis but also set it on a trajectory of robust growth. As the 13th Prime Minister of India, his administration was marked by stability, inclusivity and liberalization markets, encouragement of foreign investments, and strategic economic policies became the blueprint for India's rise as a global economic powerhouse he leaves behind a rich legacy of wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to the nation's progress.

Dr. Manmohan Singh, a distinguished economist and statesman, played a pivotal role in shaping the Indian economy through visionary policies and reforms. He spearheaded transformative economic liberalization during a severe financial crisis. His reforms dismantled the restrictive license-based economy, introduced privatization, deregulated industries, and opened the economy to foreign investments, setting the stage for India’s rise as a global economic powerhouse. During his tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, India witnessed an average GDP growth of 7.7%, with the economy doubling in size to nearly $2 trillion. Its most remarkable from his able administration, which prioritized infrastructure development and rural upliftment, significantly reducing poverty. Landmark initiatives like the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) provided rural employment security, while the Right to Information (RTI) Act enhanced governmental transparency. The Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement under his leadership bolstered India’s global standing and energy security. On the global stage, Dr. Singh fostered strategic partnerships with nations like the United States and the European Union, advocating for India's role as a responsible nuclear power and a key player in international forums. His focus on inclusive governance brought education, healthcare, and social safety nets to marginalized communities, epitomized by initiatives like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. Dr. Singh’s policies have left an indelible legacy, shaping India’s economic and social trajectory for decades to come.

As we bid farewell to this towering figure, let us always remember Dr. Singh's integrity, soft-spoken demeanor, and intellectual brilliance which earned him respect across political and ideological spectrums, beyond his colossal professional accomplishments, he exemplified dignity, humility, and a selfless dedication to the nation. Dr. Manmohan Singh's contributions will remain a guiding light for India’s progress story. Rather he would be remembered as a respected politician whose entire career reflected the principles of integrity and honesty.

(VIews are personal)