Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India and noted economist, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. He was undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi following health issues.
AIIMS confirmed the news of his demise in a statement, noting that Dr. Singh experienced a loss of consciousness at home on December 26. Resuscitation measures were initiated immediately before he was brought to the hospital, where he was declared dead at 9:51 p.m.
Dr. Singh served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 and played a prominent role in shaping the country’s economic policies. His tenure as Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996 under Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao is credited with initiating economic reforms that modernized India’s economy and facilitated its global integration.
During his two terms as Prime Minister, his administration enacted various legislative measures related to education, food security, and information access. His government’s initiatives contributed to economic growth and poverty alleviation, strengthening India’s global presence.
Dr. Singh retired from the Rajya Sabha earlier this year, having represented Assam for five terms before shifting to Rajasthan in 2019. Over his political career, he also served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Upper House between 1998 and 2004.
Born on September 26, 1932, in Punjab, he graduated with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Economics from Panjab University. He later pursued further studies at Cambridge University, earning an Economic Tripos in 1957, followed by a D.Phil in Economics from Oxford University in 1962.
Dr. Singh is survived by his wife Gursharan Kaur and their three daughters. Leaders across the political spectrum have expressed condolences, recognizing his contributions to public service. Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly, with national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expected to pay tribute.
