Card. Gracias: ‘Singh was always close to the most vulnerable’

by card. Oswald Gracias *

Delhi paid tribute today with state honours to the former premier who died at the age of 92. The Archbishop of Mumbai recalled: ‘His intellectual and moral qualities were well known, but in person I perceived his passionate commitment to ensure that in the country's development no one was left behind’.

Delhi (AsiaNews) - India paid tribute in these hours to Manmohan Singh, the economist who led the country's government from 2004 to 2014 during the Congress governments, who passed away at the age of 92. His remains were cremated this afternoon at the Nigambodh Ghat in New Delhi with state honours. His daughter lit the funeral pyre at the crematorium in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and top Congress leaders. We publish a remembrance released by the Cardinal Archbishop of Mumbai, Oswald Gracias, who was the President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) during the years of Singh's rule.

It is with deep sorrow that I learnt last evening of the passing away of Dr Manmohan Singh, the 13th Prime Minister of India, a distinguished statesman who dedicated his life to the service of the nation.

Dr. Singh’s journey from humble beginnings in Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan), to becoming one of India’s most visionary leaders is a testament to his perseverance, dedication, and profound commitment to the well-being of the people. His stellar academic achievements, culminating in a Ph.D. in Economics from Cambridge University, laid the foundation for his impactful contributions to India’s economic and social landscape.

As Finance Minister in 1991, Dr. Singh’s bold reforms heralded a new era of economic liberalization, transforming India into a global economic force. His tenure as Prime Minister (2004-2014) further cemented his legacy, marked by his unwavering focus on inclusive growth, social justice, and global diplomacy. I remember one incident when he was Finance Minister. The IMF (International Monetary Fund) Director and I were speaking on the same panel. He told me privately that our country was facing a deep financial crisis and that Dr. Manmohan Singh as Finance Minister was responsible for bringing the country out of the situation. He said he was brilliant and worked right through the night during the negotiations and helped the country. The country made a turnaround because of his intervention.

Dr. Manmohan Singh had a passionate love for the country. He loved this country and lived by ethical principles. Dr. Singh will be remembered for his intellect and leadership, humility, integrity, and tireless service to the nation. His contributions have left an indelible mark on India’s history and a legacy that will inspire generations to come. I had interacted with our former Prime Minister on a few occasions. His qualities of mind and heart were well known, but at first hand I sensed his passionate commitment to help the weaker sections of our people. As a two-term PM, Dr Singh he brought in landmark legislation which deepened India’s democracy — the Right to Information Act (RTI), the Right to Education Act (RTE), and the Employment Guarantee Scheme, which guaranteed 100 days of paid work. His initiatives were not merely to improve the nation’s economy, but also in realm of human development, to ensure that no one was in want in our country.

Dr. Singh always appreciated the education apostolate of the Church. I personally don’t think he was a politician. He was soft spoken and a very very good man. As we remember his legacy, we realize that Dr. Manmohan Singh had an incredible impact on the lives of all our people.

On behalf of the Archdiocese of Bombay, I extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Singh’s family, loved ones, and the nation. We pray for his eternal repose and for God’s comfort and strength to those who mourn his loss.

May his soul rest in peace.

*Oswald Cardinal Gracias

Archbishop of Bombay and