Dr. Manmohan Singh, a distinguished economist and India's 13th Prime Minister, passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92.
His leadership and economic reforms have left an indelible mark on the nation. Beyond his political career, Dr. Singh was a prolific author, sharing his profound insights through several notable works.
As an author, Dr. Singh provided in-depth analyses of India's economic landscape and development challenges. His writings reflect his commitment to India's progress and his vision for its future.
Among his contributions is the five-volume series titled "Changing India," which offers a comprehensive overview of the nation's economic and political journey.
In this article, we will explore the list of books authored by Dr. Manmohan Singh—must-reads for every Indian seeking to understand the country's economic and political evolution.
See More| List of Finance Ministers of India (1947 to 2024)
Who Was Dr. Manmohan Singh? A Brief Overview
Dr. Manmohan Singh was born on September 26, 1932, in a village in the Punjab province of undivided India.
He completed his early education at Panjab University, earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Economics in 1952 and 1954, respectively.
He furthered his studies at the University of Cambridge, where he obtained a First Class Honours degree in Economics in 1957, followed by a D.Phil. from Nuffield College, Oxford in 1962.
His academic prowess laid a strong foundation for his future roles in government and policy-making.
Academic and Professional Career
Before entering politics, Dr. Singh had a distinguished academic career, teaching at Panjab University and the Delhi School of Economics.
He briefly worked with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) before returning to India to take significant roles within the government.
In 1971, he joined the Government of India as an Economic Advisor, later becoming the Chief Economic Advisor in the Ministry of Finance in 1972.
His tenure included key positions such as Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, and Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.
Economic Reforms as Finance Minister
Dr Singh's most notable contribution came during his time as Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996. He was instrumental in initiating major economic reforms that transitioned India from a state-controlled economy to a more market-orientated one.
His policies included liberalisation measures that significantly boosted economic growth, which averaged around 7.7% during his tenure.
The reforms not only revived India's economy but also positioned it as one of the fastest-growing economies globally.
Prime Ministership
Dr. Manmohan Singh served as the 14th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, leading a coalition government under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA). He was sworn in for a second term after winning re-election in 2009.
His administration is credited with continuing economic reforms and focusing on inclusive growth through various social welfare programs, including the Right to Food and the Right to Education.
Under his leadership, India's economy grew substantially, making it one of the world's largest economies by 2014.
Legacy and Recognition
Dr Singh is recognised not only for his economic acumen but also for his integrity and humble demeanour. He received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award in 1987.
His legacy includes fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and contributing to India's emergence as a global economic player.
List of Must-Read Books by Manmohan Singh
Dr. Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India, has contributed significantly to literature, particularly in the fields of economics and politics. His writings reflect his extensive experience as an economist and politician, offering insights into India's economic policies and governance.
| Title | Year Published | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Changing India | 2019 | A comprehensive collection of Singh's writings, speeches, and articles that cover a wide range of economic, social, and political issues throughout his career. |
| India's Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth | 1964 | An early work analysing India's export patterns and proposing strategies for sustainable economic growth. |
| A Decade of Economic Reforms | 2004 | This work reflects on the economic changes implemented during his tenure as Finance Minister and later as Prime Minister, emphasising the importance of liberalisation in driving growth. |
| India's Economic Reforms: An Agenda for the Future | 2006 | This book outlines the economic policies that shaped modern India and discusses future challenges and opportunities for growth. |
| Making Democracy Work for Pro-Poor Development | 2003 | A report by the Commonwealth Expert Group, chaired by Singh, discussing how democratic governance can be leveraged to promote pro-poor development. |
In Case You're Interested| Dr. Manmohan Singh: Quotes, Books and Key Initiatives During First and Second Term as PM of India
#1. Changing India
Changing India is a five-volume compilation of Dr. Manmohan Singh's work as an economist, policymaker, and prime minister. The series offers insights into India's transformation post-economic liberalization and provides a firsthand account of pivotal reforms.
It delves into his perspectives on governance, social equity, and global diplomacy, highlighting challenges and achievements during his tenure. This collection stands as a testament to Dr. Singh's dedication to fostering inclusive growth and economic stability. The books combine essays, speeches, and policy reflections, making them a valuable resource for understanding India's journey toward becoming a global economic powerhouse.
#2. India's Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth
This seminal work analyzes India's export patterns and their critical role in achieving self-reliant economic growth. Dr. Manmohan Singh explores factors influencing export trends, including policy frameworks, global market conditions, and domestic production capabilities. The book argues for a robust export-oriented strategy to enhance India's global trade competitiveness.
With detailed data and insights, it highlights the need for diversified export portfolios and infrastructural development to sustain growth. A foundational text for policymakers and economists, it underscores the pivotal role of exports in India's journey toward economic independence and modernization.
#3. A Decade of Economic Reforms
A Decade of Economic Reforms provides an in-depth review of the economic transformations introduced in the 1990s under Dr. Manmohan Singh’s leadership. It examines the liberalization policies that reshaped India's economic landscape, including deregulation, privatization, and global integration.
The book reflects on challenges such as fiscal deficits and inflation, offering solutions that ensured sustained growth. Dr. Singh emphasizes the importance of balancing economic efficiency with social equity, making this work a critical read for understanding India's economic history and the policies that propelled its rise as a global economic contender.
#4. India's Economic Reforms: An Agenda for the Future
In this forward-looking book, Dr. Manmohan Singh outlines the future trajectory for India's economic reforms. He emphasizes areas requiring urgent attention, such as infrastructure development, fiscal consolidation, and employment generation. The book advocates for policy continuity and innovation to address emerging challenges in a globalized economy.
Dr. Singh stresses the importance of fostering public-private partnerships and strengthening institutional frameworks. With a blend of practical strategies and visionary thinking, this work provides a roadmap for sustaining economic momentum while ensuring inclusive growth. It serves as a guide for policymakers and scholars alike.
#5. Making Democracy Work for Pro-Poor Development
This book reflects Dr. Manmohan Singh’s belief in democracy as a vehicle for social and economic empowerment. It emphasizes the need for inclusive policies to uplift marginalized communities and ensure equitable resource distribution. Dr. Singh examines the role of good governance, education, and healthcare in achieving pro-poor development.
He advocates for participatory democracy and robust institutions to bridge economic divides. Through case studies and empirical evidence, the book highlights the symbiotic relationship between democracy and development. It is a compelling read for anyone interested in creating equitable and sustainable societies.
Conclusion
Dr. Manmohan Singh has authored numerous articles that reflect his expertise as an economist and policymaker. His writings cover a wide array of topics, including economic reforms, fiscal policy, trade, globalisation, and inclusive development.
In these articles, Dr. Singh shares his insights on India's economic challenges and the strategies to address them, often emphasising the need for structural reforms and balanced growth.
A notable theme in his articles is the role of globalisation in shaping India's economy. He has argued for policies that integrate India into the global economy while safeguarding its vulnerable sectors. Dr. Singh has also written extensively about the importance of infrastructure, education, and healthcare as pillars of sustainable growth.
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation