Rise from academia to policy-making
Ms. Daman Singh referred to her father Dr. Manmohan Singh’s modest upbringing in Gah, a village in present-day Pakistan before Partition uprooted his family and the role played by his teachers and guides in his academic journey. Despite economic hardships, Dr. Singh’s relentless pursuit of education led him to Cambridge and later Oxford, where he honed his skills as an economist. Daman beautifully chronicled his rise from academia to policymaking, showcasing how his work ethic and dedication shaped his life and career.
Ms Daman Singh further emphasised that Panjab University was not only an academic starting point for Dr. Singh but, various scholarships he received from time to time were instrumental in his journey, making higher education accessible despite his modest background.
In her address, Ms. Daman Singh shared personal anecdotes and cherished memories, offering a heartfelt glimpse into the private world of one of India’s most respected statesmen. The public lecture provided a rare and intimate perspective on Dr. Singh’s life, legacy, and values. The lecture was very well received and appreciated.
This marked the second day of Daman Singh and Raghav Tankha’s visit to the university campus.
Later in the evening, Daman Singh and Raghav Tankha visited the Department of Economics, the alma mater of Dr. Manmohan Singh, to interact with faculty members, research scholars and students of the department. She spent a considerable amount of time in the official room of Dr. Manmohan Singh, which displayed several of his books and photographs, offering a glimpse into his academic life and lasting legacy at the university.
