Visionary leader who steered the transformation of India's economy

Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday, was an acclaimed thinker, economist and scholar who ushered in a comprehensive policy of economic reforms and steered the country for 10 years as the head of Congress-led UPA government during which India witnessed a high growth rate, averaging at 7.7 per cent to become a nearly two trillion-dollar economy.

Known for his diligence, accessibility and his unassuming demeanour, Singh's academic credentials were burnished by his long years in government during which he served in various key decision-making positions. He was also Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. His government pushed for rights-based laws to empower citizens and for inclusive growth to bring people out of poverty.

Before assuming office as India's 14th Prime Minister in May 2004, Singh also held several political responsibilities. He was a member of the Rajya Sabha since 1991 and Leader of the Opposition between 1998 and 2004. His 33-year-long tenure in Rajya Sabha ended in April this year.

Born on 26 September 1932, in a village in the Punjab province of undivided India, Singh was held in high regard across party lines and was held in high esteem globally. He received honorary degrees from many universities including the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford. Soft-spoken and affable, he rose from humble origins to the post of Prime Minister.

When he was made Finance Minister in 1991 by then Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, India was facing economic difficulties and had faced balance of payment crisis.