His 1991 Budget speech is now the stuff of legend: “No power on Earth can stop an idea whose time has come.” These words, delivered in his trademark monotone, masked the monumental shift they heralded. Dr. Singh’s reforms opened India to global markets, attracting investments, boosting industries, and laying the groundwork for the IT revolution. Millions were lifted out of poverty, and India’s GDP growth began its ascent to global prominence.
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An economist of rare brilliance, a statesman of unshakable integrity, and a man of quiet yet unyielding resolve, Dr Singh leaves behind a legacy that defies the noisy rhetoric of politics. His life story—one of humble beginnings, transformative achievements and steadfast principles—mirrors the aspirations of a modern, self-assured India.
Coalition government
When Dr Singh became India’s prime minister in 2004, leading a coalition government, sceptics predicted he would be a figurehead. But his tenure proved otherwise. The India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, often cited as his crowning diplomatic achievement, showcased his ability to pursue bold, strategic decisions even when facing immense political resistance. The deal not only ended India’s nuclear isolation but also cemented its place on the global stage. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) was set up during his tenure as were many important pieces of legislation like the Right to Information Act.
Yet, Singh remained an unlikely hero. Despite his intellectual heft and historic achievements, he shunned theatrics. There were no grandstanding press conferences or fiery parliamentary speeches. A reluctant politician, as he liked to call himself, he navigated his roles with the same precision and patience that defined his scholarly pursuits. A journalist once quipped, “Dr. Singh’s idea of making a scene is adjusting his turban mid-sentence.”
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The long list of his achievements was interlaced with a fair share of criticism as well. His second term as prime minister was marred by corruption scandals involving coalition partners, prompting opposition leaders to derisively call him a “silent spectator.” Yet, in the face of these attacks, Singh maintained his characteristic composure, offering a memorable retort in Parliament: “History will be kinder to me than the contemporary media.”
A world apart
And history, indeed, is kinder. His understated charisma and incorruptibility set him apart in an era of polarizing rhetoric and personality-driven politics. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Singh wielded power with humility, valuing consensus over confrontation. In an age when shouting matches dominate public discourse, his quiet dignity serves as a reminder of a different kind of leadership.
I recall my first meeting with Dr Singh as Reserve Bank of India governor when he had come home for lunch at the invitation of my father. He was in his typical light blue turban, something that we picture instantly when we think of him. I then had the good fortune of meeting him several times in his various avatars as finance minister and prime minister. The couple of things that stood out was that he was a gentleman, very erudite, spoke quite softly and was amazingly thoughtful, and very loyal to the Gandhi family.
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Most politicians have volumes of witty anecdotes that characterize their career. That is rare for Dr Singh, not because he lacked a sense of humour, but because he rarely sought the spotlight. One oft-recounted tale involves a journalist asking him about his perceived timidity in public. Singh, with a twinkle in his eye, replied, “Yes, I am a politician who speaks less. But when I do, I try to make it count.” His dry wit, understated yet incisive, often caught people off guard.
There’s also the story of how, during a state banquet, an international dignitary complimented him on his wife’s culinary skills. Dr. Singh smiled and replied, “I only wish she could teach me to cook up political consensus as easily.”
Personal life
At home, Singh was a devoted husband to Gursharan Kaur and a doting father. His private life was marked by simplicity and discipline. A vegetarian teetotaller, he was known to begin his day with early morning walks and conclude it with classical Indian music.
As we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life that bridged the worlds of academia and politics, tradition and modernity, and humility and greatness. Dr Singh may no longer be with us, but his legacy endures in every Indian startup, every IT park, and every global partnership that carries the promise of a brighter future.
Dr Singh’s life is a testament to the power of quiet conviction—the powerful sound of silence. In a world increasingly dominated by bluster, he stood out as a leader who spoke sparingly but acted decisively. In a final tribute to this remarkable man, let us remember his favourite words, borrowed from poet Guru Nanak: “Nanak naam chardi kala, tere bhane sarbat da bhala. (With the name of Nanak, let there be prosperity for all).” It is a sentiment that defined his vision and, indeed, his life.
Harsh Goenka is chairman, RPG Enterprises.
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