India mourns the loss of its former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, whose passing on Thursday evening marks the end of an era in Indian politics and economic reform. A luminary whose career spanned decades, Singh’s legacy as an economist, statesman, and leader continues to shape the lives of over a billion Indians.

In 1991, as India grappled with a severe financial crisis, Dr. Singh was appointed Finance Minister in the Congress-led government under Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao. With foreign reserves plummeting to alarmingly low levels, Singh spearheaded bold economic reforms to avert collapse. He deregulated the economy, devalued the currency, reduced import tariffs, and privatised state-owned enterprises, setting India on a path of unprecedented growth. His declaration in parliament, “No power on Earth can stop an idea whose time has come,” encapsulated the spirit of his transformative policies.

As Prime Minister, Singh further advanced these reforms, lifting millions out of poverty and propelling India into the league of the world’s fastest-growing major economies.

Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister, from 2004 to 2014, began under unique circumstances. After the Congress party’s unexpected victory in 2004, Sonia Gandhi, the party’s chief, declined the top post amidst controversy over her foreign origins. Singh emerged as a consensus candidate, valued for his integrity and expertise.

Under his leadership, India witnessed robust GDP growth, averaging around 8% during his first term. His policies shielded the nation from the 2008 global financial crisis, and he championed foreign investment and progressive reforms. Despite facing criticism for being a “remote-controlled” Prime Minister, Singh’s focus and resolve defined his governance. His second term was marred by corruption allegations against some cabinet members, but Singh’s personal integrity remained untarnished. Reflecting on his tenure, he remarked in 2014, “I honestly believe that history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media.”

Singh’s government introduced landmark laws that fortified Indian democracy and enhanced social welfare. The Right to Information Act empowered citizens to hold officials accountable, while the Right to Education Act ensured free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14, significantly reducing dropout rates.

The rural employment guarantee scheme uplifted millions by providing a safety net for the poor, and the Aadhaar project revolutionized welfare delivery and financial inclusion. These initiatives reflect Singh’s commitment to equitable growth and empowerment.

Dr. Singh’s humility and statesmanship were exemplified in 2005 when he delivered a historic apology in parliament for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. As India’s first Sikh Prime Minister, he expressed regret not only to the Sikh community but to the entire nation, calling the violence “a negation of nationhood.” His apology marked a significant moment in India’s journey toward healing and justice.

Singh’s tenure saw a watershed moment in India-US relations with the signing of the 2008 nuclear deal, ending India’s nuclear isolation and enabling civilian nuclear trade. Despite intense opposition and the withdrawal of support from key allies, Singh stood firm, emphasizing the deal’s importance for meeting India’s energy needs and sustaining growth.

Dr. Manmohan Singh’s life—from his days as a soft-spoken technocrat to becoming one of India’s most transformative leaders—is a testament to his vision, resilience, and dedication to public service. As India bids farewell, the nation reflects on his contributions that reshaped its economic, social, and political landscape. His legacy will endure, inspiring generations to come.