The last of the Legends – Remembering Dr. Manmohan Singh, and Sant Baba Iqbal Singh

The end of an Era

An era has come to an end.

The world mourns the loss of a true legend, Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India, whose recent passing marks a moment of profound sadness.
His remarkable contributions as an economist and leader, who reshaped India’s future, are unparalleled achievements that will resonate through the annals of history.

As India’s Finance Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh ushered in a new era of economic liberalization.  Often observed as  the “world’s most highly qualified head of government” , he steered the country from the brink of imminent financial collapse to a path of robust growth.

The Mark of Greatness – A Journey of Humility

Yet, it is not solely his momentous work that will define him;  History will immortalize him as a Great soul because of his humble and noble character — a rare blend of wisdom, humility, and grace.
A brilliant mind, and a character grounded in simplicity, enabled him to address the complex challenges of governance and economic reforms with utmost honesty.

His integrity and moral courage became his guiding principles, earning him the respect and admiration of peers and citizens alike

Born into modest circumstances in the village of West Punjab, now part of Pakistan he overcame immense hardships to rise to the pinnacle of leadership.
Were it not for the opportunities that Education opened up for him, we would never have witnessed the extraordinary transformation of the nation’s economy.

The following is a little known fact from his earlier beginnings

Scholarship was the ship that sailed him

” My Parents Could Not Send Me To London.”

In an interview to American journalist Charlie Rose on his talk show in 2004, four months after he became the PM, Dr. Singh shared how he managed Cambridge and Oxford education despite being from a poor family with meagre means.

“I was born in a village in west Punjab. I come from very poor agricultural families. Though I think the land holdings were very small, so many members of our family would go out in search of jobs outside the village,” he said.
Asked how he managed to go to London for education at the University of Cambridge and then at Oxford University, he informed that it was a “tribute to our system of scholarships”, without which it would not have been possible.

“I could have never afforded to go to Oxford or Cambridge on the basis of resources at my disposal. My parents could not send me, but I did well in the examinations in India, and therefore I was able to win a scholarship,” Singh recalled, adding that was how he went to Cambridge.
“I did well in Cambridge, and Oxford University gave me a fellowship, so that’s how I am the product of the scholarship system.”
He also considered himself “very fortunate, because not all people get these chances“.

The other Legend of this era – remembering Baba Iqbal Singh

Drawing a poignant parallel, the passing of Sant Baba Iqbal Singh Ji just two years ago, in 2022,  left a similar void in the hearts of many.

The parallels between these two towering figures are striking.

Both men, though from different walks of life, championed Education as a vehicle for transformation.
Baba Iqbal Singh, a spiritual luminary and educational visionary, dedicated his life to uplifting rural communities in North India.
Like Dr. Manmohan Singh, he too was a humble servant of humanity who envisioned a brighter future for the underserved.

Education and Scholarships – the common thread

For Dr. Manmohan Singh, scholarships had opened the door to a world-class education, enabling him to change the course of India’s destiny.

For Baba Iqbal Singh, it was about creating scholarship-driven schools and universities as a means to uplift rural communities and nurture future leaders.
He founded a vast network of Akal Academies, providing high-quality education to children in impoverished regions.
These institutions, often based on scholarships for meritorious students, continue to empower countless individuals to break free from the cycle of poverty and build meaningful lives.

A loving farewell with a promise for tomorrow

As we bid a loving farewell to these great souls, we recognize that their legacies transcend their lifetimes.
Their stories remind us of the incredible transformative power of education and the enduring impact of selfless service.
They have set a standard of excellence and integrity that will inspire generations to come.

Dr. Manmohan Singh and Sant Baba Iqbal Singh were embodiments of humility, vision, and humanity.
It is their noble characters that truly made them great.

In their memory, let us strive to carry forward their ideals.
Let us invest in education, nurture talent, and serve humanity with humility and dedication.

For it may be a long time before we witness the likes of such greatness again.

Truly, the end of an era, with a Legacy for us to carry the torch forward