By Professor Amitabh Mattoo, Dean, School of International Studies(SIS), Jawaharlal Nehru University(JNU), New Delhi
Irrespective of political differences, almost everyone recognises that the world has lost a remarkable leader with the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India. In my lifetime, I have not encountered a public figure who embodied both extraordinary vision and genuine humility as he did. For me, his leadership was characterised by a profound respect for thought leadership, and the wisdom and innovative ideas that were embedded in universities and institutions of higher learning. Reflecting on my experiences with him, I am still overwhelmed by the deep connection we forged during a pivotal time in India’s history.
I knew Dr Singh slightly as Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, when he played a pivotal role in the formation of a coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir. One late night, an unlikely group of civil society thinkers (including me) barged into his spartan residence urging him to play a more assertive role, while Mrs Gursharan Kaur served us tea.
But my substantive engagement with Dr. Singh began shortly after he was sworn in as Prime Minister. His commitment to building sustainable peace in Jammu and Kashmir and improving relations in South Asia resonated with me deeply. As the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jammu during those formative years, I had the privilege of meeting him almost every month. Our conversations were not just about policy; they were dialogues steeped in a shared vision for a better future. Those were heady days: everything seemed possible; even a grand reconciliation with Pakistan.
One particular conversation remains etched in my memory. While discussing the complexities of governance, Dr. Singh remarked, “The bureaucracy has not one new idea on how to move forward in our region or in India’s relations with Pakistan.” His acknowledgment of the need for fresh perspectives was both striking and inspiring. It was a reminder that even a leader of his stature understood the importance of collaboration and open dialogue.
My role during this time involved writing many of his speeches on Kashmir and contributing to the ideas he explored with other leaders of the region, including President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan. I recall the energy that surrounded the roundtable conferences he organized on Jammu and Kashmir, where diverse voices came together to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the region. Dr. Singh’s approach was always inclusive, valuing input from various stakeholders, which was a testament to his belief in collaborative governance.
A significant moment that stands out in my memory is when Dr. Singh, who had made it a principle not to accept an honoris causa degree from any Indian university, made an exception for the University of Jammu on my personal request. His speech during the ceremony was remarkable for its vision, reflecting his deep understanding of the importance of education and knowledge in nation-building.
As part of a committee chaired by the esteemed strategic thinker K. Subrammanyam, I had the opportunity to delve deeply into the challenges India faced in the global order in the post Cold-War period, and the necessity of arriving at a modus vivendi with the United States. Our recommendations laid the groundwork for the historic nuclear deal with the United States. I remember the excitement and anticipation that accompanied our discussions, as we sought to navigate the complexities of international relations while ensuring India’s security and progress. Despite our efforts, the report, titled “The Challenge,” remains classified, a reminder of the intricacies of policymaking and the delicate nature of diplomacy.
Later, I was honoured to receive the Padma Shri award, one of India’s civilian awards, during Dr. Singh’s tenure. This recognition not only celebrated my contributions but also highlighted the environment of encouragement and support he fostered for those striving to make a difference in society.
Dr. Singh’s ability to engage with complex issues was matched only by his compassion and humanity. He often spoke about the importance of education and knowledge in transforming society, which led to my involvement with the National Knowledge Commission, where we reported directly to him.
In that capacity, we worked tirelessly to provide a blueprint for reforming India’s education sector at all levels. Dr. Singh’s commitment to education was unwavering, reflecting not only his personal journey but his understanding that knowledge is the cornerstone of a progressive society. He listened to our ideas with an open mind, encouraging innovation and creativity in our proposals. It was an honour to contribute to a vision that aimed to empower future generations through education.
Reflecting on my association with Dr. Singh, I am reminded of the values he embodied: integrity, humility, and an unyielding commitment to the greater good.
Dr. Singh’s legacy will endure not only through the policies he implemented but also through the countless lives he touched. He inspired a generation of leaders and thinkers to dream bigger and work harder for the nation’s progress. His vision for India was one of inclusivity, where all voices were heard and valued. In his presence, I felt, like so many, a sense of purpose and responsibility to contribute to the nation’s growth. That was a measure of his greatness.
Professor Mattoo was the founding Director/CEO of the Australia India Institute and served on the Institute’s Advisory Board until 2024.