The quiet catalyst

Dr Singh demonstrated that effective leadership stems from competence, integrity, and a genuine concern for the welfare of all

- S RAMADORAI Former CEO & MD, TCS, and former chairman, National Skill Development Corporation

AS THE NATION mourns the passing of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, I reflect on my professional and personal association with him. His demise marks the loss of a visionary economist, a statesman, and a leader whose humility and grace distinguished him in public life. Having witnessed his leadership up close, I am reminded of the profound impact of his intellect and values on the nation's journey.

Having been associated with the technology sector since the 1970s, I vividly recall the challenges we faced in hardware and technology imports. The economic liberalisation of 1991 came as a transformative moment that few could have imagined. What was once a herculean task—even importing basic computing equipment—gave way to an era of unprecedented growth. Today, that same sector has grown from a mere $150 million in 1991 to over $245 billion in annual revenue, employing 5.4 million directly and creating indirect employment for over 10 million Indians. The reforms did not just open up the economy; they unleashed India's entrepreneurial spirit, putting the nation on the global map and creating opportunities for youths across the length and breadth of the country.