The quiet architect of India’s transformation

From the editor's desk

The news of Dr. Manmohan

Singh's passing on December 26, 2024, casts a shadow over the nation, leaving behind a profound silence. At 92, the man who transformed India’s economic landscape is no longer with us, but his legacy is etched deeply into the fabric of this country. His passing signifies the close of a significant era, one characterized by steadfast strength, remarkable intellect, and a steadfast dedication to the principles of progress and integrity. As India mourns the loss of a beloved leader, it is impossible to ignore the monumental impact this humble economist had on the country’s journey.

Dr. Singh was born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, Punjab (now part of Pakistan), and his formative years were profoundly influenced by the hardships of Partition. Forced to leave his home in the midst of unimaginable violence, the young boy from a modest family found solace in books. It was through education that he began to carve a path that would not only shape his future but that of an entire nation. His academic excellence was striking—first in Punjab University, then in Cambridge, and finally at Oxford. It was here, among the greatest minds of his time, that Dr. Singh developed his deep understanding of economics, a subject he would later use as a tool to elevate millions of lives in India.

But Dr. Singh’s true test came not in the lecture halls of Cambridge or Oxford but in the very heart of India’s political and economic struggles. As India faced its most severe economic crisis in 1991, it was a man known more for his scholarly approach than his political ambitions who took the reins. When the country’s economy teetered on the edge of collapse, it was Dr. Singh, appointed as Finance Minister, who played the pivotal role in steering India away from the precipice. The reforms he introduced in 1991 were nothing short of revolutionary. In the face of severe opposition, Dr. Singh dismantled decades of protectionist policies, opened India to the world, and breathed new life into an economy choked by outdated regulations. His decisions were courageous— some might say they were radical—but they were driven by a singular vision: to transform India into a thriving, competitive economy. His reforms freed Indian businesses from the shackles of the “license raj,” deregulated industries, and welcomed foreign investment. This was no easy feat. Many feared the unknown, but Dr. Singh pressed on, guided not by the allure of short-term gains but by a steadfast belief in long-term prosperity.

But his journey did not end with those first steps in economic reform. Dr. Singh’s ascension to the role of Prime Minister in 2004 placed him at the helm of a nation ready for change, though still deeply divided in many ways. Over the next decade, he proved to be a leader whose strength lay not in grand speeches or fiery rhetoric, but in his steady hand and unwavering principles. Under his leadership, India continued to grow, but it was not just economic growth that defined his tenure—it was his moral compass, the way he prioritized inclusivity, transparency, and long-term welfare.

The Right to Information (RTI) Act of 2005 is one of Dr. Singh’s many legacies that will be remembered for its historical importance. With this legislation, he sought to break down the walls of opacity that had long shielded government decisions from public scrutiny. It was an audacious move in a country where corruption often thrived in the shadows. By making government processes more transparent, Dr. Singh gave power to the people, allowing them to hold their leaders accountable. It was a small but significant step towards a more democratic India.

Then came the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), a testament to Dr. Singh’s unwavering belief in social justice.

As millions of Indians in rural areas struggled with unemployment and poverty, Dr. Singh’s government rolled out MGNREGA, offering guaranteed employment to the rural poor. This was not just an economic policy—it was a lifeline to millions who had long been forgotten in the bustling cities. It embodied Dr. Singh’s vision of a nation where no one, no matter how marginalized, was left behind. Yet, for all his achievements, Dr. Singh’s leadership was often clouded by controversy. His critics, especially in the later years of his tenure, painted him as a figurehead, someone who allowed others in his party to make the hard decisions. The 2G spectrum scam, the Commonwealth Games debacle, and the coal allocation scandal all brought his government under intense scrutiny. But even amidst these controversies, Dr. Singh’s leadership remained dignified and steady. He never sought the limelight, preferring to remain in the background, silently navigating the challenges of coalition politics and steering the country through the turbulence.

Undoubtedly, one of the most challenging moments of Dr. Singh’s tenure related to the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement of 2008. It was a defining moment in India’s foreign policy, one that showcased Dr. Singh’s diplomatic acumen. In the face of international skepticism, he secured a deal that would not only boost India’s energy security but also elevate its standing on the global stage. This deal was a testament to Dr. Singh’s quiet yet powerful influence—an economist with the vision of a global statesman. As the years passed, Dr. Singh’s approach to leadership became increasingly rare. In an era where political discourse is often dominated by polarization and populism, Dr. Singh’s style stood in stark contrast. His leadership was one of patience, humility, and a deep-seated belief in the power of governance to shape a better future. He did not revel in the glory of power; rather, he used it as a tool for change, one that would create a lasting impact on the lives of India’s citizens.

The political landscape Dr. Singh helped shape has evolved significantly since his retirement in 2014. In today’s India, where aggressive rhetoric and sharp divides dominate, the steady, reasoned leadership that Dr. Singh embodied feels like a distant memory. His focus on inclusive growth and welfare often seems overshadowed by the pull of short-term political gains. Yet, the foundation that he laid—the economic reforms, the push for transparency, the focus on rural development—remains strong. India’s economy, now one of the world’s largest, is a testament to his vision.