Dr. Manmohan Singh, esteemed economist and former Prime Minister, has passed away

New Delhi, Dec 26 (NationPress) The former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, esteemed economist and key architect of India’s economic reforms, has sadly passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. He was taken to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) after his health significantly worsened.

The announcement of Dr. Singh's passing was made by AIIMS in a statement stating: "With deep sorrow, we announce the demise of former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh aged 92. He was receiving treatment for age-related health issues and experienced a sudden loss of consciousness at home on December 26. Immediate resuscitative efforts were initiated at home. He was rushed to the emergency department at AIIMS. Despite all attempts, he could not be revived and was pronounced dead at 9:51 p.m."

Dr. Singh had been hospitalized on Thursday night after becoming critically ill.

Serving as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, Dr. Singh was celebrated for his pivotal role in guiding India’s economy through a phase of significant liberalization.

His tenure is frequently credited with launching major economic reforms in 1991 while he was the finance minister, which played a key role in modernizing India's economy and integrating it into the global market.

A figure characterized by humility and intellect, Dr. Singh was a respected leader both within India and internationally. Under his guidance, India experienced consistent economic growth, a reduction in poverty levels, and an enhancement of the country’s global standing.

His administration was also recognized for enacting important legislation in fields such as education, food security, and information.

The nation is in mourning following Dr. Singh’s passing, with leaders from various political factions and around the world paying their respects to his enduring legacy. His impact on the fields of economics and public service will be cherished for generations to come.

He is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and their three daughters. Funeral arrangements are anticipated to be announced shortly, with national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expected to honor his legacy. Dr. Singh's passing signifies the conclusion of an era in Indian politics. His leadership and contributions will continue to inspire future generations.

Earlier this year in April, Manmohan Singh retired from the Rajya Sabha, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge commending his extensive parliamentary career.

Manmohan Singh gained prominence as the Finance Minister in the government led by PV Narasimha Rao from 1991 to 1996, implementing sweeping reforms that transformed the economy.

As the two-term Prime Minister of the UPA, he held the office from 2004 to 2014, serving as a Rajya Sabha member until early this year.

Throughout his political journey, Singh was a Rajya Sabha member since 1991, serving as the Leader of the Opposition from 1998 to 2004.

He was sworn in as Prime Minister on May 22 following the 2004 general elections and took the oath for a second term on May 22, 2009.

He represented Assam for five terms in the Upper House and transitioned to Rajasthan in 2019.

His final intervention in Parliament was regarding demonetization, which he described as an "organized loot and legalized plunder.”

Born on September 26, 1932, in Punjab, Singh obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Economics from Panjab University in 1952 and 1954, respectively.

Manmohan Singh completed his Economic Tripos at Cambridge University in 1957. He subsequently earned a D.Phil in Economics from Oxford University in 1962.