On December 26, 2024, India lost one of its most respected leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions. The former Prime Minister, known for his quiet demeanor and extraordinary intellect, breathed his last at AIIMS, Delhi.
As the nation mourns his loss, let’s take a moment to celebrate his awe-inspiring educational qualifications that continue to serve as a benchmark for excellence.

Dr. Manmohan Singh’s academic journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Born in 1932 in a small village in Punjab (now in Pakistan), he rose from humble beginnings to achieve heights that few can even dream of. He completed his Bachelors and Masters at Punjab University, excelling in Economics. But that was just the beginning.
His destiny took him to the University of Cambridge, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and graduated with first-class honors in 1957. If that wasn’t impressive enough, he went on to earn a PhD in Economics from the University of Oxford in 1962. His thesis was called “India’s Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth” that remains highly regarded in academic circles even today.

Besides this, he has several Honorary Degrees like Doctor of Civil Law from the University of Oxford, Doctor of Civil Law from the University of Cambridge, Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bologna, Italy, Doctor of Laws from the University of Alberta, Canada, Doctor of Literature from Panjab University, Honorary Doctorate from Moscow State University, Russia, Honorary Doctorate from Delhi University and Honorary Doctorate from JNU.
He has also received fellowships from St. John’s College, Cambridge, Nuffield College, Oxford, and London School of Economics and Political Science.

Dr. Singh wasn’t just a student of Economics – he was a master of the subject. His work caught global attention, and he became a leading voice in shaping India’s economic policies. Over his illustrious career, he served as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, and eventually the Finance Minister of India.
It was during his tenure as Finance Minister that he introduced economic reforms in 1991, pulling India out of a financial crisis and setting the stage for its growth as a global economic powerhouse.

The depth of his knowledge and the humility with which he carried it left a lasting impression on everyone who met him. While many leaders are known for their charisma, Dr. Singh stood out for his quiet wisdom and ability to solve complex problems without ever raising his voice.
India has lost a visionary, but his knowledge and contributions will live on forever. Rest in peace, Dr. Singh. You were truly one of a kind.