Our Heroes
India's Saviour:
Sardar Manmohan Singh
by MICHAEL ELLIOTT [Time]
TIME Magazine, American Edition, July 20, 2009:
The Gettysburg Address is over-rated.
A good speech may get you on YouTube. But that's all
A speech by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, it has been said, is a natural remedy for sleep disorders. During a raucous debate on a vote of confidence in the Indian Parliament last year, Singh's closing speech was so subdued that it was drowned out by the opposition.
Singh folded up his notes and just submitted the rest of his remarks for the record.
Still, he won the vote and then a sweeping victory in India's general elections this year.
It isn't Singh's speeches that win him followers; it's the fact that first as Finance Minister and since 2004 as Prime Minister, he has led India through a series of radical economic reforms that have made the world's largest democracy also one of its fastest-growing economies - and protected the poor, too.
It's Manmohan Singh's actions that have changed tens of millions of lives for the better, not his words.
July 13, 2009
Conversation about this article
1: Raj (Canada), July 13, 2009, 10:34 PM.
Dr. Singh is the "Father of Modern India".
2: K. Rai (U.K.), July 14, 2009, 7:13 AM.
Yes, it cannot be ignored that Manmohan Singh is an economics genius. But what also cannot be ignored is that the Indian Constitution still labels Sikhs as Hindus, even with a Sikh P.M.. To add more insult, Manmohan Singh had the audasity to tell Sikhs to forget about 1984 and move on. Now, imagine a Jewish PM telling Jews to forget about the Holocaust and move on ... well, that's just not going to happen.
3: K.P. Singh (Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A.), July 14, 2009, 8:24 AM.
How refreshing that India has the wisdom to give the reigns of her destiny to a brilliant economist, a gentle statesman, a steady guiding hand who understands the true fundamentals of democracy: resulting in an all-around well-being and prosperity for India's teeming millions (over 1.2 billion people) and the trust placed by the people in the abilities of their leaders, and solemn commitment by those chosen to lead to do right and earn their trust. Dr. Manmohan Singh relates to their concerns above his own popularity or the power and prestige as their Prime Minister. His spirit, strengths, experiences and inspirations are deeply rooted in his Sikh faith, early up-bringing as a witness to India's freedom struggle, India's complex problems and unlimited potential. It is anchored in his deep study of ancient traditions of his beloved country. His quiet dignity, wise stewardship and statesmanship have earned him and India great respect at home and abroad. India's ordinary and powerful trust his instincts and policies and have embraced Dr. Manmohan Singh as one of them. India and its people have discovered a son of its own sacred soil who has brought home an immense global interest and investments, and pride and trust that had eluded Indians in their leaders for decades. Dr. Manmohan Singh offers India and the world a new hopeful vision of an honorable and distinguished world-class statesman, a man of peace and the people. India under him is a true miracle, brimming with new confidence in her abilities to be a world leader, a regional super power, and a shining example of its strengths and destiny at work with increasing urgency. Dr. Manmohan Singh has found many believers in this new-found untapped energy of India, power of innovation and national commitment to place people's business as a major priority at every level. Success for millions is not yet at hand, but the policies are being put in place to uplift countless millions in the decades to come. The sun is shining and it is all due to the grace and dedication of many who see triumph for this young democracy in Dr. Singh's disarming humanity and excellences. Dr. Singh's speeches or youthful persona may not meet western images, we would rather have a man who understands the complex world and is skilled in how to forge interdependent alliances to deliver some long-awaited promises. May God's light shine on Dr. Manmohan Singh and friendly winds at home and abroad make an unimagined miracle of peace and prosperity for a vast yearning humanity a true reality.
4: Meena (Delhi, India), August 23, 2009, 1:50 AM.
Its interesting that two of the largest countries in the world are being led by men from minority groups - President Obama and Manmohan Singh. President Obama is a symbol of pride and hope for not only black people but the entire world ... I am Sikh and yes, he is my hero. Manmohan Singh is a weak man who have caved in to his puppet masters. I hang my head in shame as I see him on the world stage. He is the puppet the Indian government uses to suppress the voice of innocent Sikhs who are still waiting for justice!