Manmohan Singh turns 90: Fifteen crucial facts to know about former PM

As former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh turned 90 on Monday, leaders across party lines wished him and many remembered his contribution in turning the economy toward growth trajectory despite global recessions and pressures.

On this occasion, we bring 10 facts and key contributions made by Dr Manmohan Sing to India:

1. Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, (now in Pakistan), he migrated to India along with his family
2. Lost his mother at a very young age and was raised by his grandmother
3. As there was no electricity in his village, he used to study under kerosene lamp
4. Manmohan Singh studied in Hindu College Amritsar, and did B.A. and M.A. from Panjab University
5. He did his Economics Tripos from Cambridge University and DPhil or doctorate from the University of Oxford
6. He worked for the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), from 1966 to 1969
7. He worked as an advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Trade under L.N. Mishra
8. In 1972, Manmohan Singh became the Chief Advisor in the Ministry of Finance
9. In 1976, he became a Secretary in the Ministry of Finance
10. In 1982, Manmohan Singh was appointed as the Governor of RBI
11. He became the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India from 1985 to 1987
12. In 1991, he was appointed as the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC)
13. In June in 1991, he joined Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao’s cabinet as Finance Minister
14. Initiated painful but crucial liberalisation policy for Indian economy
15. Became the 14th Prime Minister of India on May 22, 2004.

Best Wishes pour in 

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wrote, “Wishing one of India’s finest statesman, Dr Manmohan Singh ji a very happy birthday. His humility, dedication and contribution to India’s development, has few parallels. He is an inspiration to me, and to crores of other Indians. I pray for his good health and happiness.”

Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal said, “Visionary leadership & dedication defines what Dr. Manmohan Singh means for India. The architect of India’s economic reforms, it was his magnificent vision that launched India’s economic story to the next level.” Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary in-charge communications, said: “Today is Day 19 of #BharatJodoYatra and the day Dr. Manmohan Singh turns 90.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also wished his predecessor and said:“Birthday greetings to former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Praying for his long and healthy life.” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, “Warmest wishes to respected Dr. Manmohan Singh ji on his birthday. Pray for his long life, good health and happiness.”

S Jaishankar

“Many many congratulations to former Prime Minister of the country Dr. Manmohan Singh ji on his 90th birthday. I pray to God for his healthy life and long life,” tweeted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Shashi Tharoor, Thiruvananthapuram MP, said he was “privileged to enjoy his blessings for many years & to learn so much from his sagacity, wisdom & profound understanding of human affairs,” adding: “Long May he continue to guide us all.”

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said, “Birthday greetings to former Prime Minister & erudite scholar Dr Manmohan Singh. He provided stability in governance, maintained dignity in public life, alleviated poverty and did all this while being an epitome of humility.”

NCP leader Supriya Sule said, “Wishing Former Prime Minister of India, Great Economist Hon. Dr. Manmohan Singh Sir Happy Birthday. May you be blessed with a long and healthy life.”