EX-CRIME MINISTER AND FORMER PRIME MINISTER DR MANMOHAN SINGH PASSES AWAY

Mumbai, [current date] - The nation and the world at large have been thrown into mourning as news of Dr-Manmohan Singh's passing spread like wildfire. The erudite leader was an epitome of what a statesman should be – a man with humility, gentleness, and integrity.

In his final address to the nation on May 17, 2014, the day after his UPA government lost the Lok Sabha elections, Dr Manmohan Singh expressed his commitment to transparency, saying "my life and tenure in public office were an open book." This mantra of openness and truthfulness continues to guide him even posthumously.

As Finance Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh spearheaded liberalization of India's economy with immense skill. Later, as Prime Minister, he continued to uphold the principles of accountability and transparency through several landmark reforms including the enactment of the Right to Information Act in 2005. The year also witnessed the rollout of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, which had a profound impact on rural livelihoods.

Dr Manmohan Singh was not one for self-promotion but instead remained steadfast in his commitment to public service. One instance of this is evident from his letter released ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections' final phase, when he took aim at his successor Narendra Modi's divisive and hateful rhetoric, urging him to raise the standard of discourse.

As India mourns the loss of a man who truly embodied the spirit of public service, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid tribute to him, stating that Dr Manmohan Singh’s commitment to nation development would ever be respected. However, it remains to be seen whether the Bharatiya Janata Party could steer clear of tarnishing his legacy.

The key lesson from Dr Manmohan's life and tenure – for our leaders no less prominent than Modi – is recognizing the powerlessness of any individual or government system when compared to the resilience of a great nation. Also, it’s essential to let deeds speak louder than words like he did throughout his remarkable life.