A self-confessed “politician by accident” Dr. Singh has the unique distinction of having been in politics for nearly two decades without a single dent in his reputation for unswerving integrity. He is an academician by inclination and training, became a bureaucrat by profession and a politician by compulsion, almost against his will.From a humble migrant background he emerged as a bright scholar with a Masters from Punjab and a further degree and doctorate from Cambridge and Oxford. After a short teaching stint in Delhi he joined Government where he eventually became Secretary, Economic Affairs and Governor, Reserve bank.991 was a disastrous year for the Indian economy and Prime Minister Narasimha Rao made Dr. Singh his surprise choice for Finance Minister. Desperate solutions were found and the economy was turned round with reforms characterised by realism and liberalism. As a result we see India well on an irreversible path of progress and as a nation well respected in the world.Dr. Singh  himself  is today the only Prime Minister after Nehru to return to power after serving a full five-year term. He doubtlessly enjoys what are almost  universal respect and trust.