Dr. Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India, is often remembered for his unassuming yet effective leadership style, characterized by his collaborative, thoughtful, and principled approach. Despite his fragile frame, Singh possessed nerves of steel, standing firm on his values when it mattered most.

His most defining contribution came in 1991, when he served as Finance Minister during a severe economic crisis. Singh dismantled outdated economic structures, ushering in a new era of liberalization by eliminating industrial licenses, reducing tariffs, and encouraging foreign investment. These bold reforms sparked rapid growth, with the economy shifting from a meager 3% growth to 6% during the 1990s, and exports growing by 17.3% annually.

Singh’s tenure saw transformative changes in India’s communication sector, particularly in making mobile connectivity affordable. This policy, which made mobile calls the cheapest globally, had far-reaching impacts, though it faced opposition at the time from vested interests.

His leadership during the UPA-I government (2004–2014) brought unprecedented economic growth and improvements in welfare programs. Key legislative achievements included the Right to Information Act (2005) and the Right to Education Act (2009), both landmark laws aimed at increasing transparency and providing education to the marginalized.

One of his most ambitious projects, the India-US Nuclear Deal, earned India a seat at the global high table, opening the door for nuclear energy collaborations at a time when climate change demanded innovative solutions.

A true democrat, Singh upheld the integrity of India’s parliamentary institutions, allowing the press to function freely and steering clear of political interference in judicial appointments or electoral processes.

Throughout his political journey, Singh held crucial positions, including Chairman of the University Grants Commission, Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister, and Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. His diverse experience gave him a profound understanding of India’s economic and political landscape.

He is remembered as a rare leader who genuinely listened, even to criticism, and handled the complexities of coalition politics with dexterity, managing ideological differences within his government while ensuring continued economic reforms. Under his leadership, India’s economy grew at an average of 7.7% during the UPA years, a testament to his ability to navigate turbulent political waters.

Dr. Manmohan Singh’s legacy is that of a self-effacing leader who always placed the country first. His leadership laid the foundations for a modern, resurgent India, and history will forever remember him as one of the most transformative leaders in India’s post-independence era.