Manmohan Singh's life and work profoundly shaped India's destiny: Congress Working Committee pays homage to former PM

In a condolence resolution passed at a meeting of CWC, it said the party pledges to honour Singh’s memory and carry forward his enduring legacy while insisting that his vision of economic reform, social justice, and inclusive growth will continue to inspire and guide them.

New Delhi: The Congress Working Committee on Friday described former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as a “towering figure” in India's political and economic landscape, who “profoundly shaped the destiny” of the country.

In a condolence resolution passed at a meeting of CWC here, it said the party pledges to honour Singh’s memory and carry forward his enduring legacy while insisting that his vision of economic reform, social justice, and inclusive growth will continue to inspire and guide them.

“The ideals he stood for – integrity, diligence, and compassion – will remain a beacon for future generations. We commit to upholding his values as we work towards building a more prosperous and united India, just as he envisioned. Dr Singh’s legacy as a leader, an economist, and a humble human being will live on, inspiring all of us to contribute to the continued progress and betterment of our great nation,” it said.

The resolution recalled Singh's tenure as prime minister between 2004 and 2014 and as finance minister between 1991 and 1996, as it mourned the “loss of a true statesman”, whose contributions transformed the country and earned him respect worldwide.

“As Finance Minister…Dr Singh was the architect of India's economic liberalisation. With unmatched foresight, he initiated a series of reforms that not only saved the nation from a balance-of-payments crisis but also opened the doors to global markets. Through his policies of deregulation, privatization, and the encouragement of foreign investment, he laid the foundation for India’s rapid economic growth,” it said.

Under his stewardship, the resolution said, India emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, a testament to his brilliance and vision.

As Prime Minister, it said, he led the country with a “sense of calm determination and exceptional wisdom” and his tenure was marked by sustained economic growth, global recognition, and social progress. He steered the nation through the challenges of the global financial crisis in 2008 with strategic measures that shielded the country from its worst effects, it said.

The resolution commended his leadership for initiatives like MGNREGA, Right to Education, the historic Indo-US Civil Nuclear Deal, National Food Security Act, Land Acquisition Act, Agricultural Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme, and the 93rd Constitutional Amendment that advanced social justice for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs.

It also spoke about the Right to Information (RTI) Act that enhanced transparency and the Forest Rights Act to empower tribal communities besides his contribution to achieving the highest GDP growth rate during his tenure.

"Singh’s dedication to inclusive growth, international diplomacy, and economic modernization strengthened India’s position in the global arena, while simultaneously focusing on the welfare of the common man. His legacy as a compassionate, reformist leader who prioritized stability and development will forever be etched in India’s history," the resolution said.

The CWC also recalled the "respected academician", whose career as an economist helped shape India’s policies and direction. His scholarly work as an economist and his service at institutions like the United Nations and the Reserve Bank of India laid the groundwork for many of the economic reforms he later championed as a policymaker, it said.

"Dr. Singh’s profound understanding of economics, combined with his dedication to education, inspired countless students, scholars, and policymakers. His academic rigor and intellectual contributions were pivotal in shaping India’s approach to development, and his mentorship has had a lasting impact on the country’s future economists," it said.

The resolution also celebrated Singh's "extraordinary" personal qualities -- his grace, humility, and dignity set him apart as a "leader of rare character", while he always remained grounded, treating everyone with respect and kindness despite holding the highest offices in the land.

"His demeanor was calm, composed, and always guided by a deep sense of integrity. He was not only admired for his intellect and accomplishments but also for his unassuming nature, which made him beloved to people across all walks of life. Dr. Singh embodied the very best qualities of a true statesman—compassion, honesty, and a deep commitment to public service. His life was a living example of how grace and humility can coexist with great power," it said.