A Tribute to Dr Manmohan Singh:

We were fortunate to personally witness the deep empathy and kindness of former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji, on three significant occasions that left an indelible mark on us. The first instance occurred during the "Samaikyandhra movement", when we organized a rally with students in front of his residence, protesting the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.

 

Despite the nature of the protest, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji exhibited great patience and understanding. Following his instructions, the security personnel refrained from making any arrests, allowing us to peacefully express our views. His calm demeanor and respect for our right to protest spoke volumes about his leadership and compassion. The second occasion was during the movement for "Special status" for Andhra Pradesh, when Hon'ble Chief Minister., Srii. N. Chandrababu Naidu gaaru led the "Dharma Porata Deeksha"in Delhi. Dr. Manmohan Singh ji personally visited the Deekshasthali and expressed his unwavering solidarity with the good cause, demonstrating his genuine concern for the people of Andhra Pradesh and their aspirations. The third occasion was during his visit to Anantapur District.

 

On February 2, 2006, Dr. Singh ji interacted with villagers in the capacity of Prime Minister of India along with the former Chief Minister., Dr.YS.Rajasekhar Reddy gaaru at the launch of programs under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) at Bandlapalle village. His deep sense of empathy and direct engagement with the rural people underscored his commitment with a small gesture of smile to uplifting the marginalized and ensuring that development reached every corner of the country.

 

At that time, I was working in the Agriculture and Cooperation Department at the Andhra Pradesh Secretariat under the former Hon'ble Minister for Agriculture, Sri Neelakantapuram Raghuveera Reddy gaaru. Big Thanks to his support, I had the opportunity to participate in this significant program alongside some of my friends from Anantapur. On these occasions, we personally observed Dr. Singh’s profound empathy and steadfast support for the people of Andhra Pradesh, exemplifying the true nature of his leadership and statesmanship.

 

These experiences are etched in our memories, reminding us of his unwavering commitment to justice and his rare humility. Today, India mourns the loss of one of its most revered statesmen, Dr. Manmohan Singh, whose passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the nation’s heart. His legacy, however, will continue to inspire us all. Dr. Singh was not only one of the world’s most respected economists but also the visionary architect behind India’s economic transformation. His leadership during the 1991 economic reforms rescued the country from the brink of economic collapse and set India on the path to globalization and modern growth.

 

Without his bold and decisive actions, India’s economic trajectory would have been vastly different. Dr. Manmohan Singh’s contributions to the nation are immeasurable and have had a profound impact on every citizen. Among his many historic achievements are: 1. Right to Information Act (2005) – Empowered citizens to hold the government accountable, ushering in an era of transparency. 2. NREGA (2005), later renamed MGNREGA (2009) – A game-changer that guaranteed the right to work and brought livelihood security to millions across the nation. 3. Right to Education (2009) – Ensured that every child in India had the fundamental right to quality education. 4.

 

Land Acquisition Act (2013) – Paved the way for fair and transparent land acquisition, ensuring equitable development. 5. National Food Security Act (2013) – Delivered food security to the most vulnerable, ensuring no one in India goes hungry. 6. Civil Nuclear Agreement (2008) – Ended India’s nuclear isolation, elevating the country’s standing on the global stage. 7.

 

Prime Minister of India (2004-2014) – Led India through a transformative decade of economic growth, stability, and international prominence. 8. The fourth longest-serving Prime Minister in Indian history, following Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Narendra Modi. 9. Economic Liberalization – His policies in the 1990s set India on the path to becoming one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. 10. Guiding India through the Global Recession– During the 2008 financial crisis, Dr. Singh’s steady leadership helped India not only weather the storm but emerge stronger, earning global admiration for his wisdom. Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji's statesmanship and leadership was defined by his humility, integrity, and quiet strength. He never sought the limelight, instead choosing to make decisions that would benefit India for the long haul. His legacy is not just in the policies he introduced, but in the profound impact he had on the lives of millions across the country. As Rasheed Kidwai once said, “Humility was his strength and, at some level, his weakness, because he could not play to the gallery.”

 

Today, as we reflect on his monumental contributions, we honor Dr. Manmohan Singh’s life and legacy by pledging to carry forward the vision he had for India—an India that is stronger, more inclusive, and globally respected. Rest in peace, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji. Your wisdom, leadership, and enduring vision will forever inspire us. Your legacy will live on in the hearts of every Indian...