Dr. Manmohan Singh

Event Description

Dr. Manmohan Singh was an eminent Indian economist, bureaucrat, and statesman who served as the 14th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014. Born on September 26, 1932, he made history as India's first Sikh prime minister and the first leader since Jawaharlal Nehru to be re-elected after completing a full five-year term. Renowned for his intellectual depth and quiet dignity, he held several of the nation's most prestigious positions prior to leading the country, including Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Chief Economic Advisor.

Summary

His extraordinary hard work and achievements transformed modern India, most notably when he served as Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996 and introduced landmark economic liberalisation reforms that rescued the nation from a severe financial crisis. As Prime Minister, his administration steered India to a historic average economic growth rate of 7.5% and launched transformative, rights-based welfare programs like MGNREGA, the Right to Information (RTI) Act, and the Right to Education (RTE) Act.

Award Details

Padma Vibhushan (1987)