Manmohan Singh: The Silent Economist Who Spoke Through Poetry

 

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, aged 92, passed away on Thursday evening after a prolonged illness. Known as the mastermind behind India’s economic reforms during PV Narasimha Rao’s government, Singh played a crucial role in shaping the nation's growth story.

 

However, his intellect wasn’t limited to economics. Singh’s love for Urdu poetry often added a unique charm to his political debates. In parliamentary exchanges, he skillfully used shayari to respond to critics.

 

During one such instance, he quoted Allama Iqbal:

"Mana ki teri deed ke kaabil nahin hoon main, tu mera shauq dekh mera intezar dekh"

("I know I am not worthy of your attention, but witness my longing and my patience.")

 

In 2013, amidst a heated debate, Singh turned to Ghalib’s words:

"Humein unse hai wafa ki ummeed jo nahin jante wafa kya hai"

("We expect loyalty from those who don’t know what loyalty is.")

 

The poetic duel didn’t stop there. Sushma Swaraj, a fierce debater, replied with Bashir Badr’s couplet:

"Kuch to majburiyan rahi hongi, yun hi koi bewafa nahin hota"

("There must have been reasons for betrayal; no one is disloyal without cause.")

 

Her second poetic response was equally poignant:

"Tumhe wafa yaad nahi, humein jafa yaad nahi, zindagi aur maut ke toh do hee tarane hain, ek tumhein yaad nahi, ek humein yaad nahi"

("You don’t recall loyalty, and we don’t remember betrayal; life and death have two rhythms—one you forget, the other we do.")