Opinion: Dr Manmohan Singh, the architect of modern India

Hyderabad: India bids farewell to one of its most revered leaders, Dr Manmohan Singh, who passed away at 92. The former prime minister leaves an enduring legacy of transformation that significantly reshaped India’s economy and its global standing.

Serving as India’s 14th prime minister, Dr Singh was widely regarded as a visionary thinker and scholar. He will be remembered as the ‘Architect of modern India’, whose bold economic reforms in 1991 opened new opportunities for millions of young Indians to pursue their dreams. With his academic rigour, accessibility and humble demeanour, Dr Singh became a symbol of hope for many. His belief in the potential of a market-driven economy extended far beyond the elite in metropolitan centres like New Delhi and Mumbai, touching the lives of people in smaller towns and villages struggling with economic, educational and social challenges.

An academic prodigy

Dr Manmohan Singh was not only a leader but also the driving force behind India’s remarkable economic resurgence.

From his early years as an academic prodigy to becoming one of the most respected prime ministers in Indian history, his life exemplifies perseverance, intellect and humility. Born on September 26, 1932, in the undivided Punjab region of British India (now Pakistan), he witnessed the upheaval of partition, an experience that profoundly shaped his worldview. Through unwavering determination, he built a distinguished career in economics, leaving a legacy that continues to impact generations to come.

I had the opportunity to meet the Honourable Dr Manmohan Singhji in 2010 as part of a delegation, and we presented our report on caste-based census to him. The second opportunity I had was when delegations of MPs met Dr Manmohan Singhji in 2010 for the implementation of policies/measures for the upliftment of minorities in our country. Both my interactions with him were memorable.

True reformer at heart

Dr Singh was much more than a politician; he was a true reformer at heart.

In 1991, when India faced an acute economic crisis, his bold leadership as finance minister turned the nation’s fortunes around. Dr Singh introduced transformative liberalisation policies that opened up the economy, attracted foreign investments, and steered India away from the brink of financial collapse. These reforms did more than stabilise the economy—they propelled India onto the global stage as an emerging economic powerhouse. His tenure is still remembered as a pivotal moment in India’s history when the country redefined its financial future.

His iconic words from that era, “No power on Earth can stop an idea whose time has come,” continue to resonate as a testament to his unwavering belief in India’s potential.

It is because of his liberalisation policy that the path was paved for India to become the third-largest economy in the world within a few years, with the seeds of India’s growth story sown during his economic reforms. World Bank data on India’s share in global GDP (in current dollars) clearly illustrates this. India’s share in the global economy steadily declined from the 1960s (the earliest period for which data is available), reaching its lowest point in 1991. Since then, this share has been on an upward trajectory, although the pace varied over the past three decades.

Profoundly humble

Despite his extraordinary achievements and the lasting impact he made on India’s economic landscape, Dr Manmohan Singh remained profoundly humble throughout his life. His calm demeanour, integrity and dedication earned him respect even from those who disagreed with him. His leadership was never about personal glory; it was driven by a genuine commitment to the nation’s welfare and progress. When he passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92, tributes from around the world poured in, with leaders from all corners of the globe recognising him as a visionary reformer and a global statesman who reshaped not only India’s future but also contributed significantly to the global economic dialogue.

‘Accidental Prime Minister’

Yet, for many Indians, Dr Singh will always be remembered not just as a towering figure of political and economic transformation, but also as the soft-spoken ‘Accidental Prime Minister’ who defied expectations and gave ordinary citizens the courage to dream big. Under his stewardship, millions of Indians were able to envision a future far beyond their immediate circumstances—one filled with opportunity, progress, and empowerment.

His ability to remain unassuming while simultaneously driving monumental change inspired countless people to strive for greater achievements and to believe that the impossible was within reach. His legacy continues to resonate with those who see him not only as a leader but also as a symbol of quiet strength, unwavering determination and hope for a brighter tomorrow.

The writer is Irfan Aziz, All India Professional Congress, president of Secunderabad Chapter and Congress Manifesto head from Telangana and TPCC Media and Communications state convenor.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of NewsMeter.