Manmohan Singh Statue Unveiled in Hyderabad, Calls for Bharat Ratna
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy unveiled a statue of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Hyderabad’s Wipro Circle and called on the central government to grant the Bharat Ratna to the late economist. He also urged the establishment of a Knowledge Centre to preserve Singh’s legacy and urged Telan…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Saturday, Hyderabad’s Wipro Circle became the site of a significant tribute to India’s former prime minister, Manmohan Singh. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy presided over the unveiling of a bronze statue that now stands amid the city’s bustling financial district. The ceremony was attended by a mix of political leaders, former officials, and members of the public, all gathered to honour a man whose economic reforms reshaped the nation.
Why the Statue Matters
Revanth Reddy, who has long championed the legacy of Manmohan Singh, said the statue should have been erected in Delhi but explained that Hyderabad’s financial hub, which contributes roughly 49% of the state’s economy and 5% of the national economy, was an appropriate location. The city’s prominence in banking, information technology and services makes it a fitting backdrop for a figure who steered India toward liberalisation and global integration.
Calls for the Bharat Ratna
During his address, Reddy urged the central government to award the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, to Manmohan Singh. He appealed to all Telangana MPs to bring the matter to both houses of Parliament, arguing that the award should transcend partisan politics. Reddy likened the partnership between former UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan to that of Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, emphasising their joint role in securing Telangana’s statehood through the 2014 legislation.
Legacy of Economic Reform
Revanth highlighted Manmohan’s pivotal role in introducing liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation policies during the early 1990s. He credited the former prime minister, alongside former PM PV Narasimha Rao, with stabilising the economy when foreign exchange reserves were low and political uncertainty loomed. The reforms laid the groundwork for India’s emergence as the world’s third-largest economy.
In addition to economic measures, Reddy noted Manmohan’s advocacy for social legislation such as the Right to Information Act, the Right to Education Act and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA). He also referenced the 2013 land acquisition law, which recognised the social impact of displacement and mandated fair compensation.
Tributes from Dignitaries
Retired Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy described Manmohan as a developmental economist who understood that GDP growth alone could not strengthen democratic institutions. Former Chief Justice of India NV Ramana praised the economic reforms that led to the creation of Hyderabad’s financial district, calling Manmohan a “freedom fighter” for the economy. Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu emphasised the statue’s role in educating younger generations about Manmohan’s contributions.
The ceremony also featured remarks from other dignitaries who highlighted Manmohan’s humility, his decision to return to India from abroad, and his commitment to public service over personal gain. Their collective reflections paint a portrait of a leader who balanced economic ambition with social responsibility.
Future Plans and Unresolved Questions
Reddy announced plans to establish a Knowledge Centre dedicated to Manmohan Singh’s work, aiming to preserve his writings, speeches and policy papers for scholars and the public. The centre would also host seminars, workshops and exhibitions to keep his ideas alive. However, the proposal has yet to receive formal approval from the central government, leaving its future uncertain.
While the statue has already become a focal point for civic pride, the question of whether Manmohan Singh will receive the Bharat Ratna remains unanswered. The chief minister’s appeal to Parliament underscores the need for a national consensus on the matter.
Why This Matters
The unveiling and the accompanying calls for the Bharat Ratna reflect a broader conversation about how India honours its leaders. Manmohan Singh’s legacy as an economist and statesman continues to influence policy debates, and recognising his contributions could inspire future generations.
Key facts
- Hyderabad’s Wipro Circle hosts a statue of former PM Manmohan Singh
- Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy calls for the Bharat Ratna
- Proposal to establish a Knowledge Centre on Singh’s legacy
- Tributes from judges and industry leaders highlight Singh’s impact
- The statue’s location reflects Hyderabad’s financial significance
Why it matters
The event underscores India’s ongoing dialogue about honouring leaders who have shaped the nation’s economic trajectory, while also highlighting the role of regional leaders in advocating for national recognition.
Frequently asked questions
Where was the Manmohan Singh statue unveiled?
It was unveiled at Wipro Circle in Hyderabad’s financial district.
What is the proposed next step for Manmohan Singh’s legacy?
A Knowledge Centre dedicated to his work is being proposed.
Why did Chief Minister Revanth Reddy call for the Bharat Ratna?
He believes the award should transcend politics and honour Singh’s contributions.
Sources
- [1] newindianexpress.com — originally reported as “Manmohan Singh most deserving of Bharat Ratna: CM Revanth”
