Manmohan Singh, India’s former Prime Minister and renowned economist, was often seen wearing his signature blue turban. Ever wondered why? The color held a special meaning for him, it was a tribute to his alma mater, the University of Cambridge. Singh had once shared that light blue was one of his favorite colors and a symbol of his cherished days at the prestigious university.
In 2006, during a ceremony where Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and Chancellor of Cambridge University, awarded him a Doctorate of Law, Singh’s blue turban caught attention. Reflecting on his time at Cambridge, Singh said, “My memories of my days in Cambridge are deep.” He also shared that his friends at the university had given him the nickname ‘Blue Turban.’
Lessons from Cambridge
Singh often spoke about the profound impact Cambridge had on his life. “My teachers and my peers in Cambridge taught me to be open to argument and to be fearless and lucid in the expression of one’s opinions. These virtues and a relentless desire to pursue intellectual truth were inculcated in me at Cambridge,” he said.
He also proudly noted that he was the third Indian Prime Minister, after Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi, to have studied at Cambridge, cementing a strong connection between the university and Indian leadership.
An Illustrious academic journey
Manmohan Singh was born on September 26, 1932, in a village in the Punjab province of undivided India. He excelled academically, completing his Matriculation examinations at Punjab University in 1948. He went on to earn a First Class Honours degree in Economics from the University of Cambridge in 1957 and later completed a D Phil in Economics at Nuffield College, Oxford, in 1962.
Known as the architect of India’s economic reforms, Singh left an indelible mark on the nation. His soft-spoken demeanor, combined with his sharp intellect, made him a respected figure in both domestic and international spheres.
Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi. He was 92 years old.
