Almost the first feeling that I have as an Indian towards our late prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh is one of profound guilt: We as people were extremely unfair to the sensitive, suave leader who was all things except one - a politician. And our betrayal of him came when he most needed his people to know how the people of tomorrow's India matter more than today's politics and politicians.
It should always haunt the conscience of our nation that we allowed the worthiest incumbent to be called an "accidental prime minister". Or perhaps it was a reflection of our own priorities that virtues such as integrity and humility appeared as "accidents" to us. In a country where corruption, political rowdyism and megalomania pass for "political strength and stature of a leader", Dr Singh's self-effacing refusal to demand and hog the limelight were sure to puzzle his country, especially the press and politicians, and the people. To those for whom their own ugly disdain for decency, culture and unpretentious honesty is the new "normal", Dr Singh's unassuming insistence on modesty, quiet efficiency and professional integrity were bound to appear as "accidental".
Dr Singh never claimed credit for achievements
My memories of Dr Singh are of a person for whom doing the right thing the right way was the only normal way to do anything. No surprises then that he never claimed credit either for his path-breaking economic reforms or for his absolute insistence on administrative efficiency, transparency and accountability. For him, this was the only "normal" way a government could and should function. I am not surprised then that his media adviser felt uncomfortable working for a prime minister who believed that the news needed no "doctoring", and that the media could not be dishonest and therefore required no goading or "management".
Denne historien er fra December 28, 2024-utgaven av Hindustan Times Amritsar.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 28, 2024-utgaven av Hindustan Times Amritsar.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
S Korea to Inspect All Boeing 737s Amid Hunt for Answers
During its second landing attempt, the Jeju Air jet received a bird strike warning from ground control. Minutes later, pilot issued distress signal
Carter: President, global mediator, Nobel laureate
Jimmy Carter held a unique place in US politics: he was the oldest former president and a Nobel peace laureate, but his one term in office was forever tainted by his inability to end the 1979 Iran hostage crisis.
Market Regulator Brakes Slow Retail Race on Options Street
The Securities and Exchange Board of India's (Sebi) recent measures to cool the retail frenzy in derivatives trading are already bearing fruit, even as more curbs aimed at preventing investor losses kick in next month.
Adani to Raise Over $2 Billion in Exit From Adani Wilmar
OUT OF 43.94% STAKE, AEL WILL SELL 31.06% TO WILMAR INTERNATIONAL, AND THE REST TO PUBLIC
Start to finish, golden year for Indian chess
In a year when India's cricket team lifted the T20 World Cup after 17 years, sparking a reception in Mumbai befitting the occasion, and shooter Manu Bhaker brought back unprecedented twin bronze medals from the Paris Olympics, chess quietly emerged as the sport that consistently perched the country on top of the world.
Liberalisation & liberalism: Legacy of Manmohan Singh
The unexpected eruption of nostalgia and admiration for Manmohan Singh from people across the country is testimony to what he stood for.
The Choice Before Us: Star Trek or Mad Max
The world is at a crossroads. If we channel resources to ensure equality, manage risks, and enhance autonomy, we can navigate toward a future where technology is a force for good
Preparing for the Trump disruption
India has the diplomatic wherewithal to deal with Trump 2.0 even as issues such as H-1B visa and trade will test ties from time to time
Why Indians Don't Have One Happy New Year
Around midnight of December 31, when several people in India will sit before their television sets (the rest will be busy at parties), they will invariably be greeted with visuals of places in New Zealand, Australia, Japan and Korea that have already celebrated \"Happy New Year\", with skylines flaring up in panoramic colours and revellers rocking in sheer joy.
A Cup High, A Home Low
With a decisive showing at the T20 World Cup, the Indian cricket team ended their 13-year wait for an ICC trophy; but beyond that, red-ball success remained elusive
