Manmohan Singh Remembers His Time at Panjab University During 2018 Visit to Economics Department

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, known for his pivotal role in India's economic reforms, passed away in New Delhi at the age of 92. Singh served as India's Prime Minister during the Congress-led UPA government from 2004 to 2014. His contributions to the nation and academia have left a lasting impact.

Singh's academic journey at Panjab University (PU) was marked by excellence. He completed his Bachelor's degree in Economics in 1952 and a Master's degree in Economics in 1954, both with top honours. His teaching career at PU included roles as Senior Lecturer from 1957 to 1959, Reader in Economics from 1959 to 1963, and Professor of Economics from 1963 to 1965.

Legacy at Panjab University

In April 2018, Singh visited PU's Economics department with his wife, Gursharan Kaur. During this visit, he delivered the first S B Rangnekar memorial lecture on strengthening democracy. Singh fondly remembered his time as a student and later as a senior lecturer at the university.

Singh's association with Dr. S B Rangnekar, one of the department's founders, was significant. "I had the privilege of working in the department with Dr Rangnekar as its head. Dr Rangnekar and his wife treated me and my wife as a member of their family. That was the happiest period of my life and I recall it with gratitude to Dr. Rangnekars," Singh had said during his visit.

Tributes and Achievements

Panjab University's Vice Chancellor, Prof Renu Vig, expressed deep sorrow over Singh's passing. "We are deeply saddened by the passing of our esteemed alumnus and former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh," she stated. Vig highlighted Singh's visionary leadership and dedication to India’s progress.

Singh's contributions were recognised with honorary degrees from PU: an Honorary Doctor of Literature (D.Litt.) on March 12, 1983, and an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) on March 11, 2009. He also donated numerous books from his personal collection to PU's Guru Teg Bahadur Bhavan Library.

Prof Renu Vig further noted that Singh's legacy as an academician, economist, and leader will remain etched in PU's history. "His contributions to academia and public service remain a source of immense pride for Panjab University," she added. The university extended heartfelt condolences to Singh’s family.

Singh and his wife once owned a residence in Chandigarh’s Sector 11. His connection with PU was not only professional but also personal, reflecting his deep ties with the institution and its community.