The Prime Minister walked towards me, his characteristic measured steps exuding grace and purpose. It was 2010 and I had been invited to a book release at Panchvati, the hall attached to 7 RCR (now Lok Kalyan Marg). The occasion was intimate, reflecting the man being honoured — Dr Manmohan Singh, whose humility and intellectual rigour were evident in every aspect of his persona.

Sameer Kochhar

Having worked extensively on financial inclusion and inclusive growth, I hoped to exchange a few words about his shared passions. But just as he approached, a senior economist and his wife inserted themselves deftly, almost artistically, blocking his path as they walked backwards while pleading their case for a position. Dr Singh, ever polite, smiled and listened patiently, but his time ran out and he was ushered away before we could meet.

That moment stayed with me, not for the disappointment it brought but for how it underscored the humility of a man who never allowed the trappings of power to overshadow his essential decency. I resolved then that the next time I found myself at Panchvati, it would be as Prime Minister’s guest for releasing my festschrift in honour of Mr P Chidambaram. On 31 July 2013, that aspiration came true. Dr Singh released the festschrift and hosted the evening, with Gursharan Kaur Ji graciously ensuring every guest was well looked after. The Prime Minister’s warmth was evident as he engaged my younger son, Sayan, then 12, in a conversation that made the otherwise introverted child feel at ease. Witnessing this, I understood why so many found in Dr Singh a figure of profound approachability despite the gravity of his office

The last time I met Dr Singh was during the release of a book authored by Dr Isher Judge Ahluwalia. He was seated among the audience, listening attentively, embodying the humbleness that defined him. At the end of the proceedings, he was surrounded by a throng of admirers. Yet, he noticed me standing at the back. Without hesitation, he walked towards me, his demeanour as warm as ever. We shook hands, exchanging a few words. This time, no one blocked the moment. Life had come full circle and it was a poignant reminder of his grace and accessibility.

Dr Manmohan Singh’s humility was matched by his consultative approach to governance. He surrounded himself with an “A-team” of distinguished economists and policymakers, including Dr C Rangarajan, Mr Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Mr Chidambaram. Far from being a gatekeeper’s domain, the Prime Minister’s Office was accessible to those with constructive ideas. As Mr Ahluwalia once noted, Dr Singh’s willingness to take calculated risks—whether in pushing the 1991 reforms or fostering inclusive growth through initiatives like the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)—set him apart. Dr Singh famously remarked, “The twin pillars for the success of DBT are the Aadhaar platform and financial inclusion. If either of these pillars is weak, it would endanger the initiative’s success.” His words reflected a deep commitment to ensuring that economic growth reached every Indian, particularly those at the margins.

Perhaps the most defining feature of Dr Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister was his unyielding focus on inclusive growth. “Growth with a human face” was more than a phrase; it was a guiding principle. As Finance Minister in 1991, he steered India through an unprecedented economic crisis with policies that opened up the economy while safeguarding the poor. He often quoted Victor Hugo: “No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come.” For Dr Singh, that idea was the transformation of India into a global economic powerhouse, underpinned by social equity.

“At that time, reforms were not very much known or popular, but India faced a critical situation, particularly on the balance of payment side. So, all of us had to provide ample support to Manmohan Singh in pushing the reforms.“

Dr C Rangarajan Chairman,
EAC to PM Dr Manmohan Singh

This philosophy was evident in his respect for his colleagues and their contributions. At a SKOCH conference marking Dr Rangarajan’s 90th birthday, despite being visibly unwell, Dr Singh delivered an eloquent speech, highlighting his friend’s pivotal role in shaping the India’s economic policies. “Dr Rangarajan was part of a team that shared the dream of an equitable, just and inclusive India,” he said. “He sowed the seeds of financial inclusion by integrating self-help groups into the banking system, a reform that empowered millions of women.” He added, “Growth and inclusion are two sides of the same coin and Dr Rangarajan acknowledged it well, weaving these together to produce a cohesive pattern of development.”
Dr Singh’s accessibility and fairness were legendary. Sam Pitroda, a close associate, once recounted how even he was subjected to routine security checks when visiting the Prime Minister’s residence, a reflection of Dr Singh’s belief in equality before the law. This sense of justice extended to his handling of policies and governance. In an era where “policy paralysis” was often invoked, Dr Singh’s calm and consultative style ensured that the machinery of government continued to function effectively. His ability to build consensus across party lines was instrumental in sustaining India’s economic reforms.

Late Mr S S Tarapore, reflecting on Dr Singh’s philosophy, quoted him saying, “There can be no better anti-poverty programme than the control of inflation.” This succinctly encapsulated his belief that macroeconomic stability was inseparable from social equity. Similarly, Mr Ahluwalia, in discussions on trade policy, noted Dr Singh’s boldness in liberalising the economy, emphasising that reforms are not just technical solutions; they require political courage and vision. These reflections underscore his reputation as a leader who valued intellectual rigor and ethical governance.

“Macro policy makers have to bear in mind Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s dictum, set out many years ago, that there can be no better anti-poverty programme than the control of inflation.“

Late Mr S S Tarapore Former Deputy Governor,
RBI and Distinguished Fellow, SKOCH Development Foundation

Dr Singh’s tenure also drew admiration for his insistence on institutional integrity. Recently, Mr Chidambaram said, I worked closely with him for many years. I have not met a person more humble and self-effacing than Dr Singh. He wore his scholarship lightly and never claimed credit for any of his historic achievements, he added. Mr Ahluwalia further elaborated, Dr Singh’s willingness to relinquish discretionary powers for systemic transparency was a hallmark of his governance style.
Letters from Dr Singh were another testament to his thoughtfulness. In July 2016, I received a letter from him acknowledging my book, The Untold Story of Indian Reforms.“Your book is an outstanding contribution towards understanding the process of economic reforms,” he wrote. Such gestures were emblematic of a leader who valued ideas and the people behind them.
As I reflect on my encounters with him, I am reminded of the profound grace with which he navigated the complexities of governance. Dr Manmohan Singh was and remains, a statesman par excellence—a man who walked the path of progress with wisdom and a human touch.

Sameer Kochhar is Chairman,
SKOCH Group and Reforms Historian