Former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, a revered economist and the architect of India’s economic reforms, passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92. Born in the village of Gah in undivided Punjab, now part of Pakistan, his early life was shaped by the Partition’s turmoil, fostering his lifelong advocacy for communal harmony.

Dr. Singh’s academic journey began with matriculation from Punjab University in 1948. He later earned a First Class Honours degree in Economics from the University of Cambridge in 1957, followed by a D.Phil in Economics from Nuffield College, Oxford University, in 1962. His book, India’s Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth, critiqued India’s inward-focused trade policies and marked him as a thought leader in economic discourse.

Serving as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, Dr. Singh was known for his quiet demeanor and profound wisdom. He often championed democratic values and communal unity, which he emphasized throughout his public life.

In 2004, during the 400th anniversary of the installation of Guru Granth Sahib in Amritsar, he reflected on his roots and the teachings of the holy text. Addressing a large gathering, he stated that the greatest tribute to the Guru Granth Sahib would be to practice its principles of peaceful coexistence and respect for all.

“There can be no better way to honor the Guru Granth Sahib than to embody its teachings of living in peace with one another and in harmony with nature,” he said, urging dialogue and mutual respect as solutions to societal issues. He described the Gurus’ wisdom as a source of enduring guidance, especially in challenging times.

Dr. Singh’s legacy as a scholar, leader, and advocate for unity and peace remains deeply etched in the fabric of India’s history.