As the world reflects on the towering legacy of Dr. Manmohan Singh, a man hailed as “Rab Da Banda” — a servant of God and the people — his life and work continue to inspire generations. This poignant tribute was reignited on December 28, 2024, by a heartfelt post from Dr. V.M. Bansal, Chairman of NDIM, and deeply echoed by Gurmukh Singh Bawa, Secretary-PRSD and SG-ATA. Their reflections paint a vivid portrait of a statesman whose contributions to India remain unmatched, not just in scale but in spirit.
Dr. Manmohan Singh, India’s former Prime Minister (2004–2014), was more than just an economist or a politician. He was an architect of transformation, crafting a path of economic reform and inclusive growth that propelled India into the global limelight. With his unparalleled intellect and quiet dignity, Dr. Singh stood as a beacon of hope and progress during pivotal moments in Indian history.
In a fitting homage, Professor Gopalakrishnan Iyer, a celebrated biographer and close confidant of Bawa, has captured this monumental legacy in his latest work, Manmohan Granth. Known for his previous biographies of political luminaries like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, P.V. Narasimha Rao, and Rajiv Gandhi, Iyer’s meticulous documentation of Dr. Singh’s life is a labor of love and respect.
The biography is set to be unveiled on February 3, 2025, at the NDIM campus in New Delhi, with a gathering of distinguished guests. Among them will be Shri TKA Nair, IAS, former Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India, and Dr. V.M. Bansal himself. The event promises to be a confluence of book lovers, economists, and admirers of Dr. Singh’s enduring legacy. For those wishing to witness this celebration of a legend, invitations can be sought through WhatsApp at 9810025069.
A Visionary’s Journey: From Amritsar to the World Stage
Gurmukh Singh Bawa, whose connection to Dr. Singh is both personal and profound, reflects on the admiration his family has long held for the former Prime Minister. Growing up in Amritsar, the shared hometown of Dr. Singh, Bawa vividly recalls two personal encounters that left him in awe of the man’s humility and warmth. These interactions reaffirmed what the world already knew — Dr. Manmohan Singh was a leader who exemplified simplicity and grace.
It was this very quality that endeared him to people from all walks of life. Bawa fondly refers to Dr. Singh’s work as the “Manmohan Theory of Economic Growth and Sustainability,” a framework that draws from the liberalization reforms of the early 1990s. Under Dr. Singh’s stewardship as Finance Minister, India dismantled the License Raj, inviting foreign investments, encouraging privatization, and fostering globalization. These reforms laid the groundwork for India’s economic ascent, with GDP growth rates soaring to an average of 8-9% during his tenure as Prime Minister.
But Dr. Singh’s legacy is not just about numbers. His commitment to inclusive growth was evident in initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which provided rural households with economic security. It is this balance — between economic liberalization and social welfare — that defines the “Manmohan Theory” and continues to inspire policymakers worldwide.
A Legacy Beyond Politics
What sets Dr. Singh apart is the universal respect he commands, cutting across political lines and geographic borders. Revered for his intellect and integrity, he earned admiration even from those who once opposed him. India’s current Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has often expressed his deep respect for Dr. Singh’s statesmanship, calling him a “pillar of India’s development.”
Professor Iyer’s Manmohan Granth delves into these many dimensions, offering readers a comprehensive look at a life devoted to public service. From his pivotal role in saving the Indian economy during the 1991 crisis to his steadfast leadership as Prime Minister, the biography celebrates a man who always put the nation first.
The Power of Humility and Vision
As the NDIM campus prepares to host the launch of Manmohan Granth, the event will not merely be about a book. It will be a celebration of Dr. Singh’s life — a tribute to a leader who taught the world that humility and vision can change the course of history. For admirers like Bawa and countless others, Dr. Manmohan Singh was, and remains, a true “Rub Da Bandha” — a man who walked with kings yet never lost the common touch.
Through this biography and the memories it rekindles, Dr. Singh’s legacy will continue to inspire generations, reminding us all that greatness is not just in what one achieves, but in how one serves.
