– Mohd.Naushad Khan
India Islamic Cultural Centre held a tribute meet on Thursday evening for former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. It was attended by top personalities from various fields, his family members, and close associates.
Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, former Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, recalled how Dr Singh called him from the World Bank to join the government. He praised Singh’s economic foresight, his political courage during the nuclear deal, and his social policies that focused on the poor, Dalits, and minorities. He said Singh’s ideas must be remembered if India wants to grow on the ideals of its founders.
Other speakers included Rajiv Shukla, Shahid Siddiqui, and Singh’s media advisor Pankaj Pachauri.
Congress leader Sachin Pilot said Dr Singh always followed the principle of “Nation First”. That’s why he never visited Pakistan, unlike leaders such as Vajpayee, Advani, and Modi. He said Singh’s decision to back the Indo-US nuclear deal, despite political risks, made India a strong nuclear power.
Pankaj Pachauri, referring to the recent Pahalgam attack, said the kind of leadership Singh showed during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks is missing today. He added that under Singh, the media was free and criticism was welcomed. Singh always respected different views.
Dr Singh’s daughter, historian Upinder Singh, attended along with IICC President and former Union Minister Salman Khurshid.
Former MP Shahid Siddiqui praised Singh as a leader, economist, Prime Minister, and a deeply respected individual. He announced the Nai Duniya Unity Award in Singh’s name for financial media.
Salman Khurshid spoke on the Sachar Commission Report, saying it aimed to bring minorities and the majority together. He said it wasn’t appeasement but political reasons blocked its implementation. He expressed hope it would be revived someday.
Rajiv Shukla shared his close bond with Singh and praised his simplicity and humility.
At the end, Khwaja Shahid, former VC of MANUU and Jamia’s Registrar, and program in-charge, announced that IICC will hold a yearly program in Dr Singh’s memory.
