A neatly tied white beard, large glasses, and a signature blue turban, this is how Manmohan Singh, India’s 14th prime minister, is instantly remembered.
The soft-spoken Sikh economist passed away at the age of 92 on Thursday. A statement from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital, in New Delhi confirmed that Singh died due to an “age-related medical condition”.
His demise marks the end of an era in Indian politics, leaving behind a legacy of economic reforms and diplomatic achievements. As the nation mourns the loss of the stalwart, reflections of his public life are once again in the spotlight, including his iconic blue turban.
But why did the Manmohan Singh always wear a blue turban? Here’s the story.
Manmohan Singh’s journey from the small town of Gah in undivided Punjab to becoming one of India’s most respected leaders is nothing short of extraordinary.
Born in 1932 in what is now Pakistan, Singh’s early years were deeply influenced by the partition of India. His family, like millions of others, was displaced during this tumultuous time and eventually settled in Amritsar, India.
Singh’s hunger for knowledge and commitment to education led him to Panjab University, where he completed his undergraduate studies. It was during this time that his passion for economics began to take root.
In a 2004 interview with American journalist Charlie Rose, Singh explained why he chose economics as his field of study. “Right from the beginning, as a thinking student of 15 or 16 years old, I was troubled by the grim poverty that I saw around me,” he shared.
He went on to discuss his thoughts on Minoo Masani’s book, ‘Our India’, which he read in school. “The first sentence in that book was, ‘one man in every five is an Indian.’ And yet it concluded that India happens to be a rich country inhabited by very poor people. To understand why India is such a poor country, why there is so much misery, why there is so much poverty, that is what led me to the study of economics.”
Singh’s academic journey then took him to the prestigious Cambridge University in the UK, where he earned a First Class Honours degree in Economics in 1957. His thirst for knowledge remained unquenched, and he continued his studies at Oxford University.
At Nuffield College in Oxford, Singh pursued a DPhil in Economics, further sharpening his analytical abilities.
Reflecting on his path to these Ivy League colleges, Singh recalled how, despite coming from a modest background, he managed to make it there. “I could have never afforded to go to Oxford or Cambridge on the basis of resources at my disposal. My parents could not send me, but I did well in the examinations in India, and therefore I was able to win a scholarship,” he shared with Rose.
He continued, “I did well in Cambridge, and Oxford University gave me a fellowship, so that’s how I am the product of the scholarship system.”
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During a speech at Cambridge University a few years ago, Manmohan Singh revealed the story behind his iconic blue turban.
He recalled an incident in 2006 when Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and Chancellor of Cambridge, noticed the distinct blue of his turban as he awarded Singh an honorary Doctorate of Law. “Look at the colour of his turban,” the Duke remarked, which drew applause from the audience.
It was then that Singh shared his personal connection to the colour. “Blue is one of my favourites and is often seen on my head,” he said, with a smile. He went on to explain that light blue had always been a preferred hue for him, and it had become his signature style over the years.
Singh further recalled how his Cambridge peers had affectionately nicknamed him “blue turban,” a name that stayed with him even after his academic journey concluded.
“My memories of my days in Cambridge are deep,” he said reflecting how the colour of the turban became a tribute to his alma mater and a reminder of the cherished memories he holds from his time at the university.
During his speech, Singh also took a moment to mention his esteemed professors, including notable economists like Nicholas Kaldor, Joan Robinson, and Amartya Sen, who shaped his intellectual journey.
“My teachers and my peers in Cambridge taught me to be open to argument and to be fearless and lucid in the expression of one’s opinions. These virtues and a relentless desire to pursue intellectual truth were inculcated in me at Cambridge,” Singh said.
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After returning to India, Manmohan Singh quickly earned recognition for his expertise in economics, securing key positions in the Congress government and international organisations. His intellect and vision paved the way for his rise to the pinnacle of Indian politics, where he eventually became the Prime Minister of India.
Singh’s legacy as Prime Minister is most strongly associated with the sweeping economic reforms he championed.
Widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic liberalisation in the 1990s, he played a pivotal role in transforming India from a closed, socialist economy to an open, globally connected market.
Under his leadership, India embraced free-market reforms, slashing trade barriers, attracting foreign investment, and privatising state-owned industries. These bold moves helped propel India into one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
In addition to his economic contributions, Singh introduced social welfare programs, such as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), which aimed to reduce poverty and improve living standards in rural areas.
While his economic policies were his hallmark, Singh worked to bolster India’s diplomatic ties. He strengthened
India’s relations with the United States, improved ties with neighbouring countries, and enhanced India’s global standing.
With input from agencies
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