A gentleman Prime Minister

No other Prime Minister of India was subjected to the kind of abuse, humiliation and disdain reserved for Dr Manmohan Singh, who served as India’s Prime Minister for two terms. Sadly, this was not only from the belligerent Opposition parties led by the BJP, which always launched its most shrill tirade against the soft-spoken man, who exemplified utmost dignity and decency in public life, but also from his own Congress Party. Remember Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, describing as “complete nonsense” and tearing up the ordinance promising non-disqualification of MPs who were jailed for two years or more? By doing so he clearly undermined the authority of Dr Singh, under whose leadership that ordinance was introduced.

Even though a brilliant scholar and economist, who as finance minister (1991–96) dextrously steered the Indian economy out of troubled waters, charting a clear path for the economic development that we enjoy today, Dr Singh never got the recognition and respect he deserved from Indian politicians or people, simply because he was a political lightweight, and a stranger to the art of self-promotion. Also, to put it bluntly, we as a people have a bizarre taste when it comes to our political leaders. We have a penchant for shunning people who are quiet, soft-spoken, dignified, educated and honest, never mind the wealth of knowledge and wisdom they may possess. But we are happy to embrace people who are loud and lewd, and willingly swallow their tall promises made through thunderous speeches. The late Manmohan Singh had none of these ‘sterling’ qualifications, and hence lost the only Lok Sabha election he contested from South Delhi. He was always ridiculed as the Gandhi family’s slave, and even abused as a goonga (mute) Prime Minister, maun baba, etc.

But while India, its people and Opposition politicians dismissed Dr Singh as Sonia Gandhi’s puppet, it was a totally different scenario outside India. On the world stage, where leaders of the developed and more discerning countries assembled, Dr Singh’s speeches on global economy were taken seriously. Former US President Barack Obama, another decent man in American politics unlike those who followed him, was a known admirer of the late Indian PM and described him as “wise, thoughtful and scrupulously honest”. At a G20 summit in Canada he praised the “extraordinary leadership he has provided not only to India but also to the world as we navigate through difficult times. When Prime Minister Singh speaks, people listen, particularly because of his deep knowledge of economic issues.”

A self-effacing man of exceptional humility, given his erudition and maturity, Dr Singh established a high standard for decency and personal integrity in public life. Asked about his term as prime minister, he once told the media: “I say it in all sincerity that I have tried to serve this country with utmost dedication, commitment and integrity. I have never used my office to enrich or to reward my friends or my relatives.”

As we mourn the loss of one of India’s most illustrious sons, let’s acknowledge a sense of shame as we recall his famous anguished words: “History will be kinder to me than the contemporary media, or for that matter, the Opposition parties.” These must probably be the harshest words the gentle Sardar ever spoke.

Rest in peace, Sir. You deserved better treatment from the country you served with such distinction and integrity.

Rasheeda Bhagat

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