December 27th 2024.
On Friday, the Congress Working Committee gathered in New Delhi to hold a meeting and pay tribute to the late former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The committee acknowledged that Singh was a towering figure in India's political and economic landscape, whose contributions have had a profound impact on the country and earned him respect worldwide.
During the meeting, the CWC passed a condolence resolution mourning the loss of a true statesman, whose life and work have shaped the destiny of India in a significant way. The meeting was attended by many prominent leaders such as Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chiefs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, as well as Congress general secretaries Jairam Ramesh, K C Venugopal, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
At the age of 92, Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms and a consensus builder in the challenging world of politics, passed away at AIIMS in Delhi on Thursday. He is survived by his wife and three daughters. The CWC resolution read, "Dr. Singh was a towering figure in India's political and economic landscape, whose contributions transformed the country and earned him respect worldwide. As the Finance Minister in the early 1990s, Dr. Singh was the mastermind behind India's economic liberalization." His foresight led to a series of reforms that not only saved the nation from a balance-of-payments crisis but also opened the doors to global markets.
The resolution further stated, "Through his policies of deregulation, privatization, and the encouragement of foreign investment, he laid the foundation for India's rapid economic growth. Under his leadership, India emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing economies, a testament to his brilliance and vision." As the 13th Prime Minister of India, Singh's tenure was marked by sustained economic growth, global recognition, and social progress.
The CWC highlighted some of Singh's remarkable initiatives, including MGNREGA, Right to Education, the historic Indo-U.S. Civil Nuclear Deal, National Food Security Act, Land Acquisition Act, Agricultural Debt Waiver, and Debt Relief Scheme, as well as the 93rd Constitutional Amendment that advanced social justice for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs through Article 15. Singh also championed the Right to Information Act to enhance transparency, the Forest Rights Act to empower tribal communities, and contributed to achieving the highest GDP growth rate during his tenure.
The CWC recognized Singh's dedication to inclusive growth, international diplomacy, and economic modernization, which strengthened India's position in the global arena while prioritizing the welfare of the common man. "His legacy as a compassionate and reformist leader, who prioritized stability and development, will forever be etched in India's history," the committee said.
Apart from his contributions as a politician, Singh was also a respected academician, whose career as an economist helped shape India's policies and direction. "His scholarly work as an economist and his service at institutions like the United Nations and the Reserve Bank of India laid the groundwork for many of the economic reforms he later championed as a policymaker," the CWC noted.
The committee also acknowledged Singh's profound understanding of economics, combined with his dedication to education, which inspired countless students, scholars, and policymakers. "His academic rigor and intellectual contributions were pivotal in shaping India's approach to development, and his mentorship has had a lasting impact on the country's future economists," the resolution stated.
The CWC described Singh as a man of extraordinary personal qualities, whose grace, humility, and dignity set him apart as a leader of rare character. "Despite holding the highest offices in the land, he always remained grounded, treating everyone with respect and kindness," the committee said. They also highlighted his calm and composed demeanor, guided by a deep sense of integrity.
"He was not only admired for his intellect and accomplishments but also for his unassuming nature, which made him beloved to people across all walks of life. As we mourn the loss of this extraordinary leader, the Congress Working Committee pledges to honor Dr. Manmohan Singh's memory and carry forward his enduring legacy," the resolution read.
The committee members paid floral tributes to Singh at the party's headquarters, as they committed to upholding his values and working towards building a more prosperous and united India, just as he envisioned. "Dr. Singh's legacy as a leader, an economist, and a humble human being will live on, inspiring all of us to contribute to the continued progress and betterment of our great nation," the resolution concluded. The CWC also stated that the ideals Singh stood for, including integrity, diligence, and compassion, will remain a beacon for future generations.
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