Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Passes Away At 92 – News18

Last Updated:December 26, 2024, 10:46 PM IST

Manmohan Singh’s legacy is marked by the reforms he undertook as an economist, which not just rescued the country from economic collapse, but also prepared the foundation for sustainable growth

Former Prime Minister and veteran Congress leader Manmohan Singh passed away at AIIMS Delhi on Thursday night. Singh, who held the position of the Prime Minister of India from 2004 until 2014, was 92.

In a medical bulletin, AIIMS Delhi announced Singh’s death. “With profound grief, we inform the demise of Former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, aged 92. He was being treated for age-related medical conditions and had sudden loss of consciousness at home on December 26, 2024. Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the Medical Emergency at AIIMS, New Delhi at 8:06 PM. Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9:51 PM,” it read.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Singh’s death and said he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives.

“India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years. His interventions in Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives,” the PM said in a post on X.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Manmohan Singh played a key role in rebuilding India’s economy during difficult times. “He was widely respected for his service and intellect. His contribution to India’s progress will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti!” he wrote on X.

Singh was also the first Sikh Prime Minister of the country, who is credited for the transformation of the Indian economy.

Singh was born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, West Punjab, which is now a part of Pakistan. He pursued his education at Panjab University and received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Economics in 1952 and 1954, respectively. He went on to study in the University of Cambridge and in 1957, he received a First Class Honours degree in Economics and postgraduate work with a D.Phil. from Nuffield College, Oxford, in 1962.

His early career spanned as a teacher at Punjab University, Delhi School of Economics, and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Manmohan Singh’s legacy is marked by the reforms he undertook as an economist, which not just rescued the country from economic collapse, but also prepared the foundation for sustainable growth. The entrepreneurial spirit cultivated during his tenure catalyzed the growth of a dynamic economy, giving rise to an expanding middle class and a surge in consumer activity.

Singh’s policies played a pivotal role in transforming India’s economic framework by championing liberalisation and tackling critical social challenges through focused initiatives. His leadership is widely regarded as a defining era that propelled India onto the trajectory of an emerging global economic powerhouse.