Wishes poured in from leaders across party lines for former prime minister Manmohan Singh as he turned 91 today.
Greeting his predecessor on the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Birthday wishes to former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. I pray for his long life and good health.”
Singh, who served as the country’s prime minister from 2004-2014, is widely acknowledged as an architect of economic reforms in the country.
Birthday wishes to former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. I pray for his long life and good health.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 26, 2023
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge extended his wishes to the leader, calling him a “rare example of simplicity, dignity and grace in politics.” He wrote on X, “On his birthday, I extend my best wishes to Former Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh ji. He is a rare example of simplicity, dignity and grace in politics. A true statesman Prime Minister, whose actions spoke more than his words, we are forever grateful for his tremendous contribution to the nation.”
Besides wishing him “good health and happiness,” Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also sought inspiration in Singh for his “integrity, unwavering commitment to nation-building and economic upliftment of the masses.”
Former Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh ji’s integrity, unwavering commitment to nation-building and economic upliftment of the masses will always be an inspiration to me.
Wishing him good health and happiness on his birthday.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 26, 2023
Extending birthday greetings, former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu also wished Singh a “long and healthy life.”
Heartiest birthday greetings to former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji. May he be blessed with a long and healthy life. pic.twitter.com/11T50P8krj
— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) September 26, 2023
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra extended her “deepest respect” to Singh. Lauding him as the leader who demonstrated “value of patience and humility in politics,” she wrote on X: “As a Prime Minister, his honesty, courage, vision and wisdom paved the way for our country to forge ahead into the 21st century with self assurance and pride.”
Calling him an outstanding symbol of erudition and learning, Congress general secretary incharge of Communication Jairam Ramesh shared about his experience of working with Singh. “On a personal note, I still recall the time in Sep-Oct 1986 when as Deputy Chairman he inducted Arvind Virmani, Rakesh Mohan and myself into the Planning Commission which was a tremendous learning experience,” he wrote.
Today Dr. Manmohan Singh turns 91. He has always been an outstanding symbol of erudition and learning. But much more than that he has always epitomised grace, sobriety, humility and dignity in whichever position he has held. These are extremely rare qualities in our public life,… pic.twitter.com/pvdjYYkOqK
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) September 26, 2023
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh too extended his “warm birthday greetings” to Singh on the occasion.
Warm birthday greetings to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh ji. Wishing him good health and long life.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 26, 2023
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar prayed for “his long long life, good health and happiness.”
Birthday greetings to former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji.
Pray for his long life, good health and happiness.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 26, 2023
Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal too applauded his “unwavering dedication and commitment” towards India. In a post on X, he wrote, “Birthday greetings to former Prime Minister, Shri Manmohan Singh ji. Your unwavering dedication and commitment to our country, constitution and democracy continue to inspire us all. Wishing you good health, happiness and a long life ahead.”
Birthday greetings to former Prime Minister, Shri Manmohan Singh ji. Your unwavering dedication and commitment to our country, constitution and democracy continue to inspire us all. Wishing you good health, happiness and a long life ahead.
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) September 26, 2023
Sharing a picture of Singh on X, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar also wished him on the occasion, and lauded country’s economic success under his leadership.
Birthday Wishes to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. Under his leadership, India scaled new heights of economic success and reached its highest growth rate.
May God bless him with a long and healthy life. pic.twitter.com/gC3k1P55nw— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) September 26, 2023
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Congress leader D K Shivakumar prayed for his good health and happiness.
Warm birthday wishes to former PM Sri Manmohan Singh ji, who led the nation with utmost dedication & commitment.
We pray for your good health & happiness, sir. pic.twitter.com/uzgfRoRzmA
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) September 26, 2023
Born in 1932 in a region that is now a part of Pakistan, Singh began his political innings as the economic advisor to the ministry of foreign trade in 1971 during the Indira Gandhi government.
