People often mention that Dr Singh had the most impressive CV. In his career, he had seen it all. Coming from humble beginnings, he made it to Oxford with sheer grit and determination. Back in India, he donned various hats like Chief Economic Advisor, Planning Commission chief, RBI governor, Finance Minister and eventually topped it by becoming the prime minister for a full 10 years. He also had a stint at the UN; apart from indulging in his primary passion as an economics teacher, nurturing students. 

It needs no mention that in his sterling career he stood out as a world class economist. But Manmohan Singh was not just an armchair economist, but a man who understand the more practical nuances. In his role as finance minister, he not only focused on what the Indian economy needed, but also how to cut through the red tape and push critical decisions through. As an economist and a bureaucrat, Dr Singh understood what was imperative and also if it was really feasible. This enabled him to execute many projects with long term impact like NREGA, Aadhar, VAT, FRBM etc. 

Dr Manmohan Singh may have been a mild-mannered person, but that was an epitome of his decency than anything else. In fact, Dr Singh was anything but timid. As the Finance Minister in 1991, once he had the support of Narasimha Rao, Dr Singh went full throttle ahead and opened up the economy in a way that was not even conceivable at that time. Also, in 2008, when the nuclear deal was being debated, it was Dr Singh who stood firm despite pressure from the coalition partners. He showed that behind the mild and friendly exterior, the man had nerves of steel. Above all, he has literally juggled the persistent conflict between the seat of power and the source of power for a full 10 years. 

The worst and most crooked way to depict Dr Singh was in display in the movie “The Accidental Prime Minister.” The comic actor made the film look like a parody, but also did a grave injustice to the true capabilities of Dr Singh. He is actually an icon for the youth of India and an inspiration to young people of  how a young man from Punjab could make it to several high offices by sheer grit, purpose, and intellect. Those who criticize his politics must remember that he was re-elected in 2009; on the strength of his own achievements. Rest in peace, Dr Singh. You will always be a true harbinger of economic reforms!