Manmohan Singh: From UN Delegate to Prime Minister - A Six-Decade Journey of Economic Transformation

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Manmohan Singh's career is a remarkable journey from a UN delegate to becoming the Prime Minister of India, spanning over six decades. His contributions to both the academic and political spheres have left a lasting impact on India's economic and political landscape.

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Early Life and Academic Career

Manmohan Singh was born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, Punjab. He completed his schooling in Urdu medium and later moved to Amritsar after the partition of India. He pursued higher education at Hindu College, Amritsar, and Punjab University. He earned his tripos in Economics from St. John's College, Cambridge, and later obtained a Doctorate in Philosophy from Oxford University in 1962.

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Professional Beginnings

Singh began his career as a teacher at Punjab University and later served as a Reader in the Economics Department. From 1966 to 1969, he worked with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), contributing to equitable growth for developing nations. His expertise led to his appointment as an advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and as a Professor of International Trade at the University of Delhi.

Role in Economic Reforms

In 1972, Singh joined the Ministry of Finance as Chief Economic Advisor and later became Secretary of the Finance Ministry. He played a crucial role in the Planning Commission and was appointed Governor of the Reserve Bank of India in 1982. His tenure at the RBI was marked by significant economic reforms that helped stabilize India's economy during a period of financial crisis.

Political Career

Manmohan Singh's political career took off when Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao invited him to join the cabinet as Finance Minister in 1991. This period was pivotal for India's economic history. Singh implemented sweeping reforms, including dismantling the Licence Raj, reducing import taxes, devaluing the rupee, and easing licensing norms. These measures spurred unprecedented economic growth, transforming India into a market economy.

Prime Minister of India

After the 2004 general elections, the Indian National Congress formed the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), and Sonia Gandhi chose Manmohan Singh as the Prime Minister due to his reputation for economic expertise. His tenure as Prime Minister began on May 22, 2004. During his administration, India achieved significant economic growth, modernized infrastructure, and implemented social policies like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (2005) and the Right to Education Act (2009).

Legacy and Passing

Manmohan Singh served as Prime Minister for two consecutive terms until 2014. He passed away on December 25, 2024, at the age of 92. His legacy is marked by his transformative economic reforms and his role in steering India towards a market economy during a critical period in its history.

Manmohan Singh's journey from a UN delegate to the Prime Minister of India is a testament to his academic rigor, economic expertise, and significant contributions to India's development.