University He Studied And Taught Mourn Dr Manmohan Singh's Demise
As tributes flood in for the former prime minister after his demise on Thursday night, several students and institutions he taught and studied have also been remembering the iconic economist, who transformed India as an efficient statement rather than merely a politician. Probably one of the few academicians that turned out to be the state head in the country, Manmohan Singh has an impressive academic portfolio as well as a political one.
Reacting to the demise of their beloved professor, Prof. Rangi, a then 19-year-old master’s student at Punjab University and also one among a small group of students assigned to the former PM’s mentorship, remembers him fondly, stating that Dr. Singh was much more than an economics teacher during his time.
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“He was a mentor who left a lasting impact, shaping the lives of his students with wisdom, humility, and dedication,” says the student. After completing his DPhil, the former prime minister had a stint as a senior lecturer of economics at Panjab University from 1957 to 1959, and from 1963 to 1965, he served as an economics professor there.
Speaking to the Times of India, Prof. PS Rangi says Dr. Singh’s approach to learning was gentle yet profound, and he used to encourage them to think beyond academics and embrace discipline and humility. Noting a unique aspect of Dr. Singh’s lectures, his disciple recalls that he used to invite students to his residence on the Panjab University campus every Friday, giving the students a space to clear their doubts while enjoying tea and snacks prepared by Dr. Singh’s wife.
Notably, Dr. Singh had in an earlier interview recollected that the happiest period in his life was his days at Panjab University and Hindu College. As a university that gave foundation to the most valuable alumni of the university, credits have also been given to Dr. Singh’s professor, like Dr. S. B. Rangnekar, who headed the university’s Economics Department when the former PM was a student.
The university has, in an official statement, expressed its grief over the demise of its esteemed alumni. Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig said that the Punjab University is “deeply saddened by the passing of its esteemed alumnus and former Prime Minister, underlining that his legacy as an academic, economist, and leader will forever remain etched in the history of the University.
“Dr. Singh’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the nation have left an indelible mark on India’s progress. His contributions to academia and public service remain a source of immense pride for Panjab University. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones,” the professor said.
Kaushik Basu, professor of Economics, Cornell University, & former Chief Economist of the World Bank & Chief Economic Adviser of India called Dr Manmohan Singh’s death a huge loss for the country and a personal loss for him.
It is a huge loss for India. And a personal loss for me. R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/zZuinWeuTD
— Kaushik Basu (@kaushikcbasu) December 26, 2024
