Dr. Manmohan Singh: A Hero Shy of His Own Greatness

Today, September 26, marks the birthday of Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India. This moment invites us to reflect on his extraordinary legacy in Indian politics. In this article by Harcharan Bains, we delve into the essence of Dr. Singh’s leadership—defined by humility, resilience, and unwavering determination that significantly influenced India’s global trajectory. Join us as we uncover the diverse facets of a leader who adeptly navigated the complexities of governance with grace and integrity.

IN THE ARENA of political discourse, one inevitably navigates the fine line of bias. Yet, there emerge political figures whose style and substance transcend the world of politics, entering the higher realms of statesmanship. Former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh exemplifies this to perfection—a man who, even in the glare of the public spotlight, seemed shy of his own shadow.

In the context of Indian politics, Dr. Singh was a distinct anomaly—a very endearing one, at that. His stature and the aura of the high office he held melted away in the presence of his genuine humility and modesty.

Being with him was akin to standing next to a self-effacing “gentle force,” a contradiction in terms. And the miracle lay in the gentleness rather than force that Dr. Singh employed in navigating the tumultuous seas of politics with a grace akin to that of a subtle fragrance wafting through diverse landscapes.

It was not just harsh but even unforgivably inaccurate to call him “An Accidental Prime Minister.” “A Reluctant Hero” may have been a much more apt a description.

The more one opposed or criticized him, the more did his fragrant essence seem to melt and dissolve in the atmosphere, filling the air with sublime pleasantness. This resonated beautifully, almost spiritually, with the ancient spirit of the country, where moderation, flexibility, inclusiveness, and the ability to reconcile contradictions among a diverse populace are foundational values.

While luminaries like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee often receive more accolades in the annals of Indian democracy, the impartial gaze of history, afforded by the passage of time, may well cast our reluctant hero in a light that shines brighter than his celebrated predecessors and successors.

The media, and even some who should have understood him better and demonstrated greater sensitivity while writing about him, were demonstrably harsh and even crude in finding the right words to capture the ethereal essence of Manmohan Singh’s persona and his style.

It was not just harsh but even unforgivably inaccurate to call him “An Accidental Prime Minister.” “A Reluctant Hero” may have been a much more apt a description. However, the soft-spoken but decisive protagonist rendered such harshness irrelevant by greeting it with a smile, one that only he could bring, to dissolve differences and tensions.

Dr. Manmohan Singh’s ability to navigate complex geopolitical issues with grace and diplomacy solidified his reputation as a statesman of global significance.

During my tenure as an advisor to Sardar Parkash Singh Badal, a towering figure in regional politics, I had the privilege of observing the dynamics of Indian political leadership up close. The nineties were a challenging era, both domestically and internationally, demanding from its leaders commitment and finesse to steer the nation through turbulent landscapes.

Amidst this backdrop, India showcased its unique talent for identifying individuals of unassuming demeanor and entrusting them with pivotal roles during times of profound transition. Among these figures, Inder Kumar Gujral and Dr. Manmohan Singh stand out as epitomes of this phenomenon.

Despite hailing from Punjab, a region known for its penchant for flamboyance, both men exemplified the subtlety, diplomacy, and pragmatism required to steer the nation through tumultuous times on the global stage.

Dr. Singh’s statesmanlike stature became increasingly evident as he assumed the role of Prime Minister. His calm and composed demeanor, coupled with a deep understanding of economic principles, earned him respect both at home and on the international stage.

In times of crisis, Dr. Singh’s leadership was characterized by pragmatism and a commitment to the nation’s welfare above all else. His ability to navigate complex geopolitical issues with grace and diplomacy solidified his reputation as a statesman of global significance.

As the new millennium dawned, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s leadership faced one of its greatest challenges: clinching the nuclear deal with America. In a bold and epochal move, Dr. Singh embarked on a path to secure India’s position on the global stage by negotiating a landmark agreement with the United States.

Despite facing skepticism and opposition both domestically and internationally, Dr. Singh remained resolute in his pursuit of this historic accord. His diplomatic finesse and unwavering determination ultimately led to the successful conclusion of the nuclear deal, marking a significant milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global power.

While the nineties posed significant challenges, they were succeeded by further trials in the new millennium. Yet, as the saying goes, “Cometh the hour, cometh the man.” Dr. Manmohan Singh emerged seemingly out of nowhere, a figure seemingly too genteel to withstand the rigors of national and international politics. However, by the conclusion of his tenure, the world, save for some of his fellow countrymen, rose in resounding applause.

In Punjab, Dr. Singh found an unexpected admirer in Sardar Parkash Singh Badal, who, despite being a political adversary, demonstrated his deep regard and affection for the then PM by halting his campaign in the midst of a crucial Lok Sabha election in 2009.

I was alongside Mr. Badal during that campaign when I learnt that Dr. Singh had been suddenly admitted to AIIMS for an emergency cardiac surgery. Mr. Badal was visibly shaken and fell silent. Then he instructed me to cancel all his engagements for the remaining part of the day and returned to Amritsar city. We reached the local Circuit House around evening, and Mr. Badal placed a call to the PM’s staff to inquire about Dr. Singh’s health.

Later, he called up the SGPC office and requested starting Akhand Path at Shri Harmandar Sahib to pray for his principal political adversary’s health and speedy recovery. Mr. Badal would listen to the Path of the Shri Guru Granth Sahib every morning all three days.

I was deeply touched by this unprecedented gesture in the Indian political landscape, symbolizing a rare display of concern for a gentleman adversary. Dr. Singh and Mr. Badal were to campaign against each other during that poll. Dr. Singh couldn’t take part in the campaign, and Mr. Badal never uttered a single unkind word about “Doctor Sahib” throughout his campaign. Will our country ever return to the days of such grace?

Mr. Badal’s relationship with Dr. Singh was marked by mutual respect, rooted in admiration for Dr. Singh’s simplicity, humility, and integrity.

There were instances where Mr. Badal’s personal rapport with Dr. Singh proved instrumental, as seen in their joint efforts to address significant issues affecting Punjab’s interests.

One of these was about the setting up of a separate Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee for Haryana, dismembering the apex body – the SGPC. Mr. Badal and his son Sukhbir Singh Badal called on the Prime Minister and requested his intervention to get the move stopped, as this had adverse religious implications for the Sikh community.

Dr. Manmohan Singh listened to the Akali delegation with rapt attention and compassion. At the end of the meeting, Dr. Singh first gave one of his typical soft and kindly smiles, but then suddenly, his face became grave. Turning to Mr. Badal, he said in the softest of voices, “I understand. Don’t worry. This won’t happen as long as I am in this office.” He was as good as his word—as he had always been throughout his political career.

Dr. Singh’s unassuming demeanor belied his pivotal role in shaping the nation’s destiny during critical junctures, earning him both praise and criticism.

Yet, as he himself reflected, history may well cast a kinder light upon his legacy than contemporary media narratives.

Indeed, Dr. Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister may be likened to that of a skilled surgeon, deftly navigating the country through numerous near-fatal crises.

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