The biggest myth about Manmohan Singh was that he wasn't a politician. No one can survive the complex maze that is the Indian political system as a lateral entrant from academia to the upper echelons of the bureaucracy, embed oneself in ministries such as commerce and finance, lead institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India and Planning Commission, work with multiple prime ministers from Indira Gandhi to Rajiv Gandhi to Chandra Shekhar to P.V. Narasimha Rao, navigate the world of international economic policy-making, make the transition from being a bureaucrat to a minister, become the leader of the opposition, and then serve as the prime minister of a country as large, messy, and complex as India for 10 years, as the head of a coalition government with the real power centre being elsewhere, without having a strong political sense.
Manmohan Singh did all that. And it was his political sense that helped Singh in cultivating relationships with those who exercise power, grabbing each opportunity that came his way, pushing when possible and retreating when he smelt danger, knowing the big picture always, offering that as a rationalisation while making compromises, and using the combination of understated manner, quiet humility, non-threatening persona, and sheer brilliance to be one of India's most important post-Independence leaders.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
‘Star culture’ and BCCI’s leaked, unofficial diktat
You know that BCCI policy document? The version floating around which reads as if it was written by Chat GPT wasn’t meant to be released to the public.
Keys stun Swiatek to set up title clash against Sabalenka
American rallies from a set down to reach her first final at the Australian Open; Sabalenka goes past best friend Badosa
Rubio Discusses Iran Issue, Gaza Hostages With Israeli Premier
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday to reiterate Washington's support for its ally, and the two also discussed Iran and Israeli hostages in Gaza, the State Department said.
Refiners pull all levers to replace Russian shipments
RUSSIA RANKED AS INDIA'S NO. 1 OIL SUPPLIER BY VOLUME LAST YEAR, BEATING IRAQ AND SAUDI ARABIA
Hahap Mukhiya Shot at in Ranchi, Probe On: Police
An assailant riding a motorbike shot and injured Hahap Panchayat mukhiya (head), Nanhe Kacchap, on Namkum Ring Road in Ranchi during his morning walk on Thursday, officials close to the matter said.
Tata Motors Says Profits Hurt by China Economic Slowdown
Jaguar Land Rover's Indian owner said profitability is being hurt by economic challenges in China, a market where weak demand and consumer preference for electric vehicles are hurting sales of traditional top-end cars.
Ex-BJP MPs Meet Soren Family, Triggers Rumors
Former Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) central general secretary and one of the tallest Kurmi community leaders, Shailendra Mahato, and his wife, former Jamshedpur MP, Abha Mahato, met JMM supremo Shibu Soren and chief minister (CM) Hemant Soren in Ranchi on Tuesday and Wednesday, triggering speculation about the couple joining the ruling party soon, insiders said on Thursday.
The Health Leadership Opportunity for India
The public health ecosystem in the country will benefit if New Delhi ups its engagement with WHO in light of the US withdrawing from the global body
Lack of overseas training, no personal coach cost me
Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist boxer Lovlina Borgohain has pinned the blame of her medalless run at last year's Paris Games on lack of overseas exposure and personal coach.
Implementing Rising Rajasthan Proposals Top Priority: Official
Principal secretary of mines and petroleum T Ravikant on Thursday said that the investment proposals related to mines and petroleum in the \"Rising Rajasthan\" summit have been classified, and implementation milestones have been set.
