December 27, World (LNW): Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India, has passed away at the age of 92.
He was admitted to the emergency unit at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, where he breathed his last.
Hospital officials confirmed the news of his death.
Singh, who had been receiving intensive care, was given CPR in an attempt to revive him, but the efforts were unsuccessful, according to sources close to the situation.
The nation mourns the loss of a respected statesman whose contributions to Indian politics and economics left an indelible mark.
Born on September 26, 1932 in Gah, a village in the then-West Punjab (now part of Pakistan), Singh’s life was a reflection of dedication to public service, academic excellence, and exemplary leadership.
After completing his undergraduate studies, he went on to earn a Master’s degree in Economics from Panjab University in Chandigarh. His academic journey culminated in a doctorate from the University of Oxford, where he honed his deep understanding of economic policy.
Singh served as Prime Minister of India from May 22, 2004, to May 26, 2014, leading the country through a period of significant economic and political change. Under his leadership, India saw impressive growth, though his tenure was also marked by challenges and controversy.
As the head of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA), he steered the country for over 3,650 days, becoming the third-longest serving Prime Minister in India’s history, surpassed only by Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.
Throughout his career, Singh earned a reputation for his calm and measured approach to governance, as well as his steadfast commitment to India’s economic reforms.
His legacy will be remembered for his significant role in liberalising India’s economy in the 1990s while serving as Finance Minister, which paved the way for a new era of growth and global integration.