Key Points:
- Unlike many political families, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s daughters chose careers outside politics, excelling in academia, literature, and law.
- Eldest daughter Upinder Singh is a renowned historian and academic.
- Middle daughter Daman Singh is an accomplished author with a notable memoir on her father’s life.
- Youngest daughter Amrit Singh is a distinguished human rights lawyer and professor.
New Delhi: While political lineage often ushers the next generation into the world of governance, the three daughters of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh broke this mold, carving unique paths in their respective fields. Despite growing up amidst the intellectual and political aura of their father, Upinder Singh, Daman Singh, and Amrit Singh chose to pursue their passions in academia, literature, and human rights law, leaving an indelible mark on their professions.
A Legacy Beyond Politics
Dr. Manmohan Singh, often revered as the pioneer of India’s economic reforms, raised his daughters in a household rooted in intellectual pursuits and values. The family, which includes his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and their three daughters, remains a symbol of simplicity and dedication. Each daughter not only upheld their father’s legacy of excellence but also charted independent careers that reflect their distinct aspirations and talents.
Upinder Singh: The Historian Shaping India’s Academic Landscape
The eldest daughter, Upinder Singh, has established herself as one of India’s foremost historians. Currently serving as the Dean of Faculty at Ashoka University, Upinder has an impressive academic journey, with degrees from St. Stephen’s College in Delhi and McGill University in Montreal.
Her work includes groundbreaking books such as History of Ancient and Early Medieval India and Political Violence in Ancient India, which offer deep insights into India’s historical evolution. Recognized for her scholarly contributions, Upinder has received prestigious fellowships from Harvard and Cambridge and was honored with the Infosys Prize in Social Sciences in 2009.
Daman Singh: The Writer Chronicling Personal and Social Narratives
Daman Singh, the second daughter, chose the literary path, becoming an acclaimed author. Her memoir, Strictly Personal: Manmohan and Gursharan, provides an intimate glimpse into the life of her father and family before his tenure as Prime Minister.
Beyond memoirs, Daman has explored diverse subjects, including environmental issues, showcasing her versatility as a writer. She is married to IPS officer Ashok Patnaik, and the couple shares a son.
Amrit Singh: A Voice for Human Rights on the Global Stage
The youngest daughter, Amrit Singh, is a formidable force in human rights advocacy. As a staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and a professor at Stanford Law School, Amrit has been at the forefront of pivotal legal cases.
Her academic background is equally remarkable, with degrees from Cambridge University, Oxford University, and Yale Law School. Amrit has previously worked with the Open Society Initiative and continues to lecture at esteemed institutions worldwide.
A Family of Distinction
While their father transformed India’s economic landscape, his daughters have left their own unique footprints on the global stage. Their achievements stand as a testament to the values of hard work, integrity, and intellectual curiosity instilled in them by Dr. Manmohan Singh and Gursharan Kaur.
In a world where political families often pass on the torch of leadership, the Singh family demonstrates that legacy can also mean pursuing one’s passions and excelling in diverse fields. Their story is not just about stepping out of a political shadow but about shining brightly in their own right.
