Exploring the Profile of Manmohan Singh

 Dr. Manmohan Singh is an eminent Indian economist, politician who served as the 13th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014. He was born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, Punjab, during British India. He completed his schooling from Punjab and then pursued higher education at Punjab University, Chandigarh. He earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Economics, graduating as a University Gold Medalist. He then went to the University of Cambridge, England, on a scholarship, where he earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Economics, and later a D.Phil. from Nuffield.

After completing his studies, he returned to India and began his academic career. He served as a professor of International Trade at the Delhi School of Economics and later became a professor of Economics at the University of Delhi. His academic contributions in the field of economics, particularly in the areas of international trade and development, earned him recognition both in India and  abroad.

  Manmohan Singh's entry into public service began in the 1970s when he was appointed as the Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He later served as the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission and the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). During his tenure at the RBI, Singh played a crucial role in implementing economic reforms to liberalize India's economy. Singh's most significant contribution to Indian economic history came during his tenure as the Finance Minister in the government of Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao in 1991. Facing a severe economic crisis, Singh spearheaded a series of landmark economic reforms, including liberalization, privatization, and globalization (LPG), which transformed India's economy and set the stage for rapid economic growth in the subsequent years.

In 2004, Manmohan Singh was appointed as the Prime Minister of India by the Indian National Congress party-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) coalition.

His tenure as Prime Minister witnessed a relentless pursuit of inclusive growth and social justice. He championed several key initiatives aimed at uplifting marginalized sections of society, including the implementation of landmark welfare schemes such as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and the National Food Security Act (NFSA). These transformative measures aimed to alleviate poverty, enhance livelihood opportunities, and ensure food security for millions of vulnerable Indians, thereby fostering a more equitable and inclusive society.

Furthermore, Dr. Singh's statesmanship extended beyond domestic affairs to shape India's role in the global arena. He played a pivotal role in strengthening diplomatic ties with key strategic partners while advocating for India's interests on international platforms. Under his leadership, India's engagement with multilateral institutions deepened, contributing to the country's emergence as a significant player in global affairs. Dr. Singh's pragmatic approach to foreign policy and unwavering commitment to upholding India's sovereignty and interests earned him respect and admiration on the world stage, solidifying his legacy as a statesman of unparalleled stature. During his two terms as Prime Minister, Singh continued to focus on economic reforms, social welfare programs, and strengthening India's position on the global stage. His tenure saw significant economic growth, infrastructure development, and poverty reduction, although it also faced challenges such as corruption scandals and policy paralysis.

Dr. Manmohan Singh is widely regarded as one of the architects of modern India's economic transformation. His leadership and contributions to economic policy have earned him numerous accolades, including the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award. Despite criticism from some quarters, Singh remains respected for his integrity, intellect, and commitment to public service. 

In nutshell, His remarkable journey from academia to statesmanship epitomizes a lifetime dedicated to service and progress. His visionary leadership as Prime Minister and pioneering contributions to economic policy have left an indelible mark on India's trajectory of growth and development. Despite facing challenges, his unwavering commitment to integrity, intellect, and public service continues to inspire generations. Dr. Singh's legacy as an architect of India's economic transformation and a champion of inclusive governance will be remembered for generations to come, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the nation and beyond.

Muhammed Noufal. M, Head, Dept of Economics, Al Shifa College of Arts and Science, Kizhattoor, Perinthalmanna