Disagreements with Manmohan Singh never came across as conflicting or hostile: ISEC economist

'He was a macroeconomic economist, who later went on to become a monetary economist, then the PM of India. Though he advocated for a free market, he had deep passion and concern for Indian farmers,' says R S Deshpande, former Director of ISEC.

Manmohan Singh was a man of few words and many deeds. He would not speak more than necessary but he would speak where it is required, says R S Deshpande, former Director of Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC).

Singh was a frequent visitor to ISEC as he was an economist of international acclaim much before he became the Union finance minister or prime minister.

Deshpande, a renowned economist himself, says having disagreements in opinions with Singh never came across as conflicting or hostile. He met Singh thrice in his lifetime.

"His humbleness would make it possible for us youngsters at the time to ask questions,” he says as he recalled their 1980s’ meet-up at a conference at the Indian Society of Agricultural Economics in Kolhapur.

"He was a macroeconomic economist, who later went on to become a monetary economist, then the PM of India. Though he advocated for a free market, he had deep passion and concern for Indian farmers,” says Deshpande.

Deshpande recalls: "Singh would always argue that the market is farmers’ greatest enemy. He believed freeing the market is the engine for economic growth.”

"When Karnataka was coveting the London School of Economics model, we built Dr BR Ambedkar School of Economics University. Singh, who inaugurated the school, asked me why Ambedkar, and I said that it is London School ‘Plus’. Here, we bring together a holistic approach to studying economics where every student will understand sociology, literature, culture, caste and the Constitution, unlike the London model, which focuses on one niche segment. Amused by my response, Singh said “Good luck!”, recalled Deshpande.

Economist and public policy expert M S Sriram shared his brief interaction with Singh during the launch of Sriram’s first book 'Beyond Micro-Credit: Putting Development Back into Micro-finance'in early 2000s.

“He gave a speech that day, appreciating the book. But with me, in a brief personal interaction after the launch, Singh gave some very valuable insights and feedback about the book. He suggested that I use simple language in explaining economics,” he said.

Singh's daughter was Sriram's junior at the Institute of Rural Management, Anand.