Obituary to Dr. Manmohan Singh (Jan 2025)

Dear Dr Singh,

You may not be used to see a letter of this kind though you might have been getting glorious communications during your illustrious career on earth and thereafter.? With so many followers for you in this world of which an equal number as your ardent admirers, you may be used to getting such letters all the time. ?Having been in the administrative setup in the Government of India for such a long time including two stints as the Prime Minister of this great country, letters of admiration must have been routine for you.? I do understand.? This is the first time I am also writing a letter to someone in public life, much less a politician, after his or her death. I crave your indulgence to read this epistle expressing my gratitude for your exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to the service of my country.

When you were on this earth you might have seen so many people trying to curry favour with you for all kinds of sundry matters.? Let me assure you that I am writing this letter to you expecting nothing in return.? This is just to thank you for all that you had done to our country in which I live and in that country’s prosperity, I also have a stake.? ?Your tenure as the Prime Minister, particularly during times of economic transformation, brought about sweeping reforms that laid the foundation for India's rapid growth. Your pivotal role in liberalising the economy in the early 1990s opened the doors for millions and set India on a path to becoming one of the world’s largest economies. The policies you conceived and implemented not only fostered economic resilience but also inspired a generation to aspire towards innovation and entrepreneurship. Even beyond Economics, your commitment to social equity and inclusive growth resonated deeply with many citizens. Initiatives like the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and the Right to Information Act showcased your dedication to empowering the marginalised and ensuring transparency in governance. These reforms have had lasting effects on people's lives, significantly improving access to the nation’s resources and opportunities.? Your humility, integrity, and unwavering focus on nation-building have left an indelible mark not just in political circles, but in the hearts of everyday citizens. Many looked up to you (even now) as a guiding light, a leader who prioritised the welfare of the country above all else. As we navigate the complexities of the present and future, your principles of economic prudence, ethical governance, and social responsibility continue to serve as a vital reference for policymakers and citizens alike. Your vision of a prosperous and inclusive India remains an aspiration that continues to drive us forward.

I do not know if this letter comes to you as a surprise.? But the fact that I decided to pen this letter surprised me myself, for this is the first time I am doing so in my life singing paeans for someone who, with his selfless service earned the gratitude from all of us Indians.? Not only that you liberated a population from sinking into an economic morass, but you also gave the country and the countrymen a new sense of direction confidence.? We would be eternally grateful to you for teaching us to believe in ourselves.? ??Your wanting to do the bidding of the first family by being steadfastly obliged to them in return for anointing you as the Prime Minister of India is touted as the one and only weakness of your impeccable political career. We ourselves feel that this allegation is simply facetious, for this trait is typical for someone from the middle class who considers defying such feelings of gratitude as a crime.? One swallow does not make a summer.? That is why today you open any newspaper extolling your virtues in their obituary columns, it always says that you were incorruptible. However, you did allow a corruption industry to thrive around you. Your liberating the Indian economy from its shackles is a role model for any country to emulate.? We also saw how you got legislation like the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and Right to Information Act got passed in a cantankerous political atmosphere. ?These legislations are for the ages and people of India will remember you for these unprecedented achievements.? You can be rest assured that the groundwork for India's rapid economic growth and transformation into one of the world's largest economies would speak volumes for generations.

In one of those interactions with the Press you had expressed bitterly that "I honestly believe that history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media or for that matter the Opposition in Parliament... when history is written we will come out unscathed”. How prescient you were in your observation!? There is no obituary column after you passed away that does not quote this observation of yours.? In fact, we on our part did not harbour an iota of doubt about what you had done for us and how you were instrumental in transforming our lives.? We are obliged and shall remain so, always.? Now that you have been summoned by the Almighty much against our wishes, we urge you to take a break and enjoy some free time that you did not have when you were on this planet. Everyone has to go some day.? When we leave this world, our first destination will be where you are, because we want to tell you personally that you need not worry about how history would judge you.? That decision has already been taken by all of us – we are proud and grateful to you, Sir, as always.

Thank you for your service, wisdom, and for being an inspiration to countless individuals, including myself. Your legacy will undoubtedly live on in the policies you championed and in the aspirations of the people you inspired.? I wish you a Happy New Year.

With deepest respect and admiration,

?A grateful citizen of India.

?To

Dr Manmohan Singh

Former Prime Minister of India

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