Manmohan Singh, our 14th Prime Minister is a man of extreme simplicity and pure integrity. Born on Sept. 26, 1932 at Gah in West Punjab (now in Pakistan), he completed his M.A., D. Phil from Oxford University and D. Litt. From Honoris Causa University for his brilliant career he was appointed as a senior lecturer in Economics at Punjab University, Chandigarh only at the age of 25.
In 1969 he became the professor of International Trade, Delhi School of Economics in Delhi University. He also enjoyed the post of Governor, Reserve Bank of India. And so far his political career is concerned; he came into politics in June, 1991 and became Union Finance Minister. During his tenure he achieved great popularity because of his sincerity and foresightedness.
It was his brilliance and sincerity that made him the leader of the party to head the country as its new Prime Minister after the decline of Mrs. Sonia Gandhi to hold this chair.
Mr. Singh took oath on 23rd May, 2004 and became the most educated Prime Minister of India. He was a world-class economist, educated at several Cambridge Colleges where he won honours of prestigeous Wrenbury scholarship. The most positive aspect of his new career is that he has no political agenda of his own like Mr. P.V.Narasimha Rao. Mr. Singh’s AICC biodata lists him as a professor and civil servant.
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He spent long years as a successful teacher. A generation of students remember him as great teacher those who studied international economics with him. Delhi School of Economics says he would use his practical experience to lift the subject from its “theorem-based theorizing.”
Mr. Singh is deeply religious, but most certainly does not wear his religion on his sleeve. He is the first of the minority Sikh Community to become P.M. There are many hopes and aspirations from this non-controversial person. He has to tackle a lot of rough weather of Indian politics. Still it is hoped that he would handle it with great care. He has enjoyed Mrs. Gandhi’s trust in a manner that few others; do.
It is not a matter of words and ideology-there was many who have in the post appeared closer to Mrs. Gandhi-but common traits of modesty, bordering on self effacement, integrity and ability. And so her decision to put him forward as the P.M. is the clearest signal that reforms will be on track, albeit with a human face.
In his very first conference after being invited by President Abdul Kalam to form the new Government Singh said his regime would pursue disinvestment on a selective basis and encourage both the public and private sectors. He also seems to give focus on education, health for all, environment, housing and agriculture. So far secular agenda is concerned he highlights the need of communal harmony.
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Dr. Singh has earned a good name as academician and economist. He has enjoyed many high rank posts but now he has got a very critical post. He is leading a coalition government which is always at the point of collision to each other.
On the one hand there is Left Front which supports the government from inside but always puts it to an awkward situation on the road. Singh’s own party-men also cause headache to him. Dr. Singh has no option other than being a scapegoat and a silent spectator. Sometimes he tries to clarify his position and convince others that he is leading a good government but it all proves to be futile. He appears to be a mis-match to the present political scenario, though he tries his best. Let us hope for his success in the name of our country.