Manmohan Singh: Former Prime Minister of India Advocated for Communal Harmony and Economic Growth

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, a key figure in India's economic transformation, passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92. Born in Gah, a village now in Pakistan, Singh's family experienced the Partition's turmoil. Throughout his career, he often emphasised communal harmony and democratic values.

Singh's academic journey began with matriculation from Punjab University in 1948. He then pursued higher education at the University of Cambridge, UK, earning a First Class Honours degree in Economics in 1957. Later, he completed a D.Phil in Economics from Nuffield College, Oxford University, in 1962.

Economic Reforms and Leadership

Singh was renowned for his contributions to India's economic reforms. His book "India's Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth" critiqued the country's inward-focused trade policies. He served as India's Prime Minister for two terms from 2004 to 2014, gaining respect both nationally and internationally.

During an event in Amritsar in 2004, Singh reflected on his roots while addressing a large gathering. The occasion marked the 400th anniversary of the Guru Granth Sahib's installation. He highlighted the importance of living by the teachings of peace and harmony found in the holy text.

Legacy of Peace and Harmony

In his speech at the Amritsar event, Singh stated, "There can be no better way to honour the Guru Granth Sahib than to abide in practice by its teachings of living in peace with one another." He stressed solving problems through dialogue and respecting all individuals regardless of their background.

Singh's life was marked by his commitment to communal harmony and democratic principles. His wisdom and leadership left a lasting impact on India and beyond. As India remembers him, his teachings on peace and dialogue remain relevant in today's world.