Former prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away at 92 on Thursday, once described striking the India-US civil nuclear deal as his best moment as Prime Minister. Yet, he expressed the biggest regret that more was not done in health care, particularly for women and children. These reflections came at the last press conference of his decade-long tenure as Prime Minister between 2004 and 2014, on January 3, 2014.
Best Moment of Manmohan Singh’s Life
Dr. Singh, also described as one of India’s most important architects of reforms in 1991, claimed the nuclear deal with America as an important aspect: “The best moment for me was when we were able to strike a nuclear deal to end the nuclear apartheid that stifled India’s progress,” he said. This landmark agreement, concluded with then-US President George W. Bush, granted India access to nuclear technology and fuel for civilian purposes. It was preceded by approval from the International Atomic Energy Agency in 2008 and a waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
Biggest regret in Manmohan Singh’s life
Despite this historic success, he said he still had “unfinished business” in healthcare. “I would have liked to do much more, especially for children and women. The National Rural Health Mission achieved results, but much remains to be done,” he said. The NRHM was launched in 2005 under his leadership with the goal of expanding access to health care across rural areas.
Facing allegations of corruption during his tenure including the Commonwealth Games and 2G spectrum allocation, a bitter Dr. Singh, defends his record. “I believe history will be kinder to me than the media or opposition, ” he said, maintaining that irregularities were overstated by critics.
When asked if he ever thought of resigning, Dr. Singh said, “Never. I enjoyed my work and did it with integrity.” His calm demeanor and commitment to reform defined his leadership, leaving a legacy of economic transformation and humility amid challenges.
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