New Delhi: Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh breathed his last on Thursday night at the age of 92. He passed away due to age-related medical conditions. His health deteriorated and he was admitted to AIIMS Delhi. He spearheaded India’s economic liberalisation and he leaves a legacy of transformation that will endure for years to come.
The 14th Prime Minister of India was a thinker and scholar. Singh, who was India’s Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996, was regarded for his diligence and academic approach to work, as well as his accessibility and down-to-earth approach. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, he did with passion and conviction. His statements reflect his ideology, principles and philosophy. Here are some top, iconic, insightful quotes of Manmohan Singh that continue to resonate with many:
- Life is never free of contradictions.
- I have tried to do my work with all honesty, with all sense of integrity, without regard, or fear or favour.
- What we need is a dialogue among civilisations. And we need multiculturalism, respect for diversity, tolerance, respect for diverse faiths.
- India is now wide awake. We shall prevail. We shall overcome.
- I honestly believe that history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media.
- Unity and secularism will be the motto of the government. We can’t afford divisive polity in India.
- In matters of state, one has to be full of sentiments, but one can never be sentimental.
- Judiciary must be encouraged to find ways and means to regulate its own affairs – consistent with the spirit of the Constitution.
- It is a struggle for the minds of the people… No cause justifies recourse to terrorism.
- Whatever your views on Pakistan, our effort was that we have to engage Pakistan. They are our neighbours. We can choose our friends, but we cannot choose our neighbours.
- I’ve always believed India is a country blessed by – of – blessed by God with enormous entrepreneurial skills.
- The future is inherently uncertain.
