India Remembers Former PM Manmohan Singh on First Death Anniversary

India on Friday remembered former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on his first death anniversary, honoring his decades-long contribution to the nation’s economic and social development. Singh, who passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92, served as Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996 , steering India through a severe balance of payments crisis and initiating economic liberalization, and later as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 , completing two consecutive terms.

Congress leaders paid floral tributes and highlighted Singh’s integrity, humility, and transformative role in shaping India’s economic and social landscape. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge described Singh as a leader who reshaped the country’s economic path, expanded opportunities for millions through reforms, and ensured that progress remained inclusive. Posting on social media platform X, Kharge said, “Known for his humility, integrity and wisdom, he led with dignity and compassion, ensuring that welfare reached those most in need. His legacy of honest public service and lasting reforms will continue to inspire generations.”

Rahul Gandhi also paid tribute, stating, “Through his visionary leadership, he empowered India economically. His historic efforts and bold decisions for the underprivileged and poor gave India a new identity on the world stage. His humility, hard work, and honesty will always be an inspiration.” Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called Singh a firm believer in equality, describing him as courageous, dignified, and truly dedicated to the nation’s progress. She said his simplicity, honesty, and dedication would continue to inspire generations.

Significant achievements during Singh’s tenure include landmark welfare initiatives such as MGNREGA , the Right to Information (RTI) Act , and other programs that helped lift over 20 crore people out of poverty . Economists and policymakers have often described him as a transformative leader , particularly for his role in combining economic growth with inclusive social policies.

Tributes were not limited to Congress leaders. Allies like West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma acknowledged Singh’s contributions. Even critics such as lawyer and activist Prashant Bhushan expressed regret, highlighting Singh’s decency, integrity, and dedication to public service.

Manmohan Singh’s economic reforms, both as Finance Minister and as Prime Minister, remain widely regarded as pivotal in modernizing India’s economy. The 1991 liberalization , which dismantled restrictive industrial licensing, opened the economy to foreign investment, and promoted trade integration, is considered a turning point in India’s economic history. As Prime Minister, Singh continued to focus on inclusive growth , social welfare legislation, and strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring that economic progress reached marginalized and vulnerable populations.

Across India, leaders and citizens alike remembered Singh for his humility, integrity, and visionary leadership , noting that his contributions to both economic development and social justice would continue to inspire future generations.