19 hours Ago By TOI News Desk
NEW DELHI: Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh , hailed as one of India’s most distinguished leaders, had his roots in the modest neighbourhoods of Amritsar . Known for his transformative economic policies and a tenure that spanned a decade, Singh’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming the architect of India’s liberalisation has left an indelible mark on the nation. Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, now in Pakistan’s Chakwal district, Singh’s family migrated to Amritsar during the Partition.
Settling in a small rented house near the Golden Temple in Petha Wala Bazaar, Singh was raised by his grandmother following the early death of his mother. Locals recall him as a quiet and studious boy, deeply attached to the city that shaped his formative years. Surjit Singh Kohli, a half-brother from Singh’s extended family, reminisced about the former Prime Minister’s affection for his grandmother and his bond with Amritsar.
“Manmohan Singh shared a deep attachment with Amritsar. He used to visit the Golden Temple every time he came to the holy city,” Kohli told news agency PTI. Some other locals recalled Manmohan Singh as a man who always took special pain for Amritsar, saying the UPA government headed by him got several projects sanctioned for the holy city.
Singh completed his schooling in Amritsar and graduated in economics from Hindu College. Rajinder Loomba, a retired professor of the college, recalled his humility during an alumni meet years ago. “A few years ago, Singh attended the convocation-cum-alumni meet of Hindu College as the chief guest and interacted with the college staff like an ordinary person, reminiscing old memories,” Loomba shared.
Raj Kumar, a local resident who lived near Singh’s childhood home, described him as “very humble” and remembered the family fondly. “Dr Singh used to live here. I was a child when his family shifted out.
It was a very nice family,” Kumar said. "The house where the Singh family lived is in a dilapidated state now as no one stays there since they moved out a long time ago," he told PTI. Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92 at AIIMS Delhi, following age-related health issues.
His demise has been mourned across the nation, with tributes pouring in from political leaders and citizens alike. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating that India mourns the loss of a visionary leader. A key figure in India’s economic transformation, Singh’s 1991 reforms as finance minister opened the country’s economy to global markets, spurring unprecedented growth.
His tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 saw significant initiatives, including MGNREGA and the Right to Information Act. His mortal remains will lie at the AICC headquarters in Delhi for public viewing, with the last rites scheduled near Rajghat. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India .
Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , Location Guesser and Mini Crossword ..
