Why in News? 

Dr. Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India, passed away at the age of 92 on December 26, 2024, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). 

Early Life 

• Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah Village (Punjab, now in Pakistan). 
• Migrated to Amritsar with his family after the Partition of India. 
• Completed Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Economics from Punjab University. 
• Earned a Tripos in Economics from Cambridge University and a Ph.D. from Oxford University in 1962. 

Career 

• Began as a teacher at Panjab University. 
• Held significant positions in government, including Chief Economic Advisor, Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, and Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. 
• Served as Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission. 

 Political Journey 

• Became Finance Minister of India in 1991 under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. 
• Served as Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, the first Sikh to hold the position. 

Economic Reforms 

• Architect of India’s 1991 economic liberalization, which opened the economy to global markets, reduced trade barriers, and encouraged foreign investments. 
• Played a key role in stabilizing the economy and spurring growth during a financial crisis. 

Major Initiatives as Prime Minister 

• Introduced social welfare schemes like MGNREGA and the Right to Education Act. 
• Strengthened India’s global relations and emphasized economic development and inclusive growth. 

Awards and Achievements 

• Awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1987 for his contributions to public service. 
• Received numerous honorary doctorates from prestigious institutions worldwide. 
• Recognized globally for his expertise in economics and his leadership during transformative periods in India’s history. 

Legacy 

• Known for his intellect, humility, and integrity. 
• Remembered as one of India’s most respected economists and statesmen, with a profound impact on the nation’s economic and political landscape.