Manmohan Singh

 Manmohan Singh is an Indian economist, academic, and politician who served as the 13th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014. He is a member of the Indian National Congress (INC) and was the first Sikh to hold the office of Prime Minister.

Key Highlights of His Career:

1. Academic and Professional Background:

Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan).

He studied economics at Panjab University, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Oxford.

Worked as an economist at institutions like the United Nations and later became the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.

2. Economic Reforms:

As Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996 in P. V. Narasimha Rao's government, Singh is credited with initiating significant economic reforms that liberalized the Indian economy, moving away from socialist policies towards market-oriented reforms.

3. Prime Ministerial Tenure (2004–2014):

Led India during a period of high economic growth in his first term.

Introduced policies like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Right to Information Act.

His government faced criticism for several corruption scandals, including the 2G spectrum case and the coal allocation scam, especially during his second term.

4. Awards and Recognition:

Awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor, in 1987 for his contributions to public service.

Known for his scholarly approach and humility.

Manmohan Singh is widely respected for his intellect and integrity, despite the controversies during his tenure as Prime Minister.