Manmohan Singh

Slogans and swagger of everyday politics were not for him.

The career path of Canada’s new prime minister bears remarkable parallels with that of India’s late central banker-turned-politician Manmohan Singh. Carney’s challenges, of course, differ. They’re so steep, he has the world’s attention.

He pushed economic reforms as India’s finance minister, then abandoned them when he led the government.

He was gentle, self-assured and open to all views, with a keen ear for those who disagreed. These are valuable qualities for decision-makers who must resist groupthink, especially in sycophantic workplaces.

A deliberative, transparent, clear-headed and decisive approach to policy formulation must live on as a tribute to Manmohan Singh’s legacy

Globalization stares at further reversals even as India’s economy needs an export-led boost. Advocacy of friction-free and low-barrier trade would serve our interests and also be a tribute to the liberalizer’s legacy.

For a society quick to forget even its greatest luminaries, such respect for a person who faded into political oblivion a decade ago is rare.

Manmohan Singh’s understated charisma and incorruptibility set him apart in an era of polarizing rhetoric and personality-driven politics.

Dr Singh always regarded growth and equity as the two legs with which a nation must walk.