Veteran economist and former Deputy Chairman of the erstwhile Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia, recently appeared in Mahesh Bhatt’s chat show Pehchaan: The Unscripted Show as a guest.
In a Tete-e-tete with Ahluwalia, the man behind modern and liberal economy, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt delved into a deep conversations about his relationship with Manmohan Singh, his wife Isher Judge Ahluwalia and his childhood days.
He played the main gladiator in changing the economy from soviet to liberal. Talking about the significance of Manmohan Singh in his life, he mentioned, “He’s like a mentor to me. Sardar Udham Singh introduced me to him, and although we stayed in touch, we didn’t work together until 1991.Back then, we were brimming with ideas about liberalizing the trade sector, and Manmohan ji was exceptionally supportive. Just a few months later, he appointed me as Secretary of Economic Affairs. I feel privileged to have been a part of that crucial era.”
He took up the position of economic advisory in the ministry of Finance and has held several positions from Special Secretory of PM to Secretory Department of Economic Affairs.
He adds, “Prime Minister Narsimha Rao’s distinct political approach paved the way for these reforms.He was clear-headed and fearless, allowing us to pursue certain changes while building upon past decisions. Our approach to reform was gradual, and its impact continues to unfold even today. Of course, there’s a nagging feeling that we could have done more. But we understood that India is a vast and diverse nation, and transformation wouldn’t happen overnight. The primary aim, however, was to ensure that the changes we implemented would be irreversible.:
Recalling his wife’s last days with him, Montek said, “She was the first Indian woman to earn a PhD in economics, the most vital pillar in my life. So, when Isher received the diagnosis of cancer, it was a devastating blow. An MRI, originally thought to be related to her Central Nervous System, revealed the most aggressive form – Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). Surgically inoperable, it left us with the stark realities of therapy or chemotherapy. The doctor’s words echoed grimly – ten, maybe eleven months. In that moment, I became painfully aware that a crucial chapter in my life was nearing its end. Isher, too, understood the path unfolding before her, the telltale signs a stark confirmation. And when she finally passed away, it was with a quiet peace, leaving behind a void that could never be filled.”
In collaboration with producers Vinay Bhardwaj and Asees Chadha, and under the visionary direction of Suhrita Das, “Pehchaan” promises to be an unprecedented and heart-touching journey into the lives of 13 prominent Sikhs of India.
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