Congressional Leader P Chidambaram made a strong pitch for the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award, for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who turned 88 on Saturday.
“Today is Dr. Manmohan Singh’s birthday. I wish the former prime minister many more years of good health and service to the nation. The story of Dr. Singh’s life is the story of the rise of a young man of humble origin to the heights of public service armed with only one tool: his education and scholarship, ”he tweeted.
“The entire nation is proud of the life and service of Dr. Singh and holds him as an example for every child. If anyone living in public life today deserves Bharat Ratna, it is undoubtedly Dr. Manmohan Singh, ”he added.
Chidambaram served as the union’s minister of household and finance during Singh’s ten-year tenure as prime minister, heading the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government from 2004 to 2014.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted his Singh on his birthday. “Birthday greetings to Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. I ask Almighty to be blessed with a long and healthy life, ”Modi tweeted.
Singh is credited with having played a key role in initiating economic reforms as finance minister in PV Narasimha Rao’s government during 1991-96.
“India feels the absence of a prime minister with the depth of Manmohan Singh,” said former Congress Speaker Rahul Gandhi.
“His honesty, decency and dedication are a source of inspiration for all of us. Wishing you a very happy birthday and a beautiful year ahead, ”he tweeted.
Also read: Manmohan Singh’s birthday: the former prime minister turns 88
Singh was born on September 26, 1932 in the village of Gah in Pakistan, a part of the pre-partitioned Punjab.
West Bengal Prime Minister Mamata Banerjee also greeted the former prime minister. “Greetings to former prime minister and economist Dr. Manmohan Singh ji on his birthday. Wishing you good health and more productive years in public life, ”he tweeted.
Delhi Prime Minister Arvind Kejriwal also wished Singh. “Birthday wishes for former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. I pray for his long and healthy life, ”he tweeted.
Congress, on its official Twitter account, said that the main goal of a dedicated leader is always to eradicate the worst evils that plague society as quickly and safely as possible.
“Today we celebrate the commitment of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to the general welfare of every Indian,” he said.
On his journey to greatness, he brought a billion people with him, the party said in another tweet.
“One of the most competent world leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s vision for our nation is uncompromising. India will always be indebted to this great son for taking her through ups and downs, ”he added.
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