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Dr Manmohan Singh’s daughters, Upinder, Daman, and Amrit, have excelled in history, literature, and law.
Former PM Manmohan Singh (Photo: X/Congress)
The late former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh was known for his calm and dignified leadership, but little is known about the remarkable journeys of his three daughters, who have carved out successful careers in diverse fields. Despite their distinguished backgrounds, none of them has sought to capitalise on their father’s political legacy. Instead, they made names for themselves in academia, literature, law, and human rights. Here’s a closer look at the lives and achievements of Dr Singh’s three daughters – Upinder Singh, Daman Singh, and Amrit Singh.
Upinder Singh: Historian With Global Recognition
- Profession: Historian and Academic
- Current Role: Dean of Faculty, Ashoka University
- Age: 65
Upinder Singh, the eldest daughter of Dr Manmohan Singh, made significant contributions to the field of history. After completing her education at St Stephen’s College in Delhi and McGill University in Montreal, Upinder established herself as an expert on ancient history. Her influential works, such as History of Ancient and Early Medieval India and Political Violence in Ancient India, earned her international recognition. Upinder received prestigious fellowships from renowned institutions like Harvard and Cambridge and was awarded the Infosys Prize in Social Sciences in 2009 for her academic excellence.
Her leadership roles in academia include her current position as the Dean of Faculty at Ashoka University, a prestigious liberal arts university. In addition to her academic work, Upinder has been a vocal critic of media portrayals of her father, particularly Sanjay Baru’s memoir – The Accidental Prime Minister. She called the book a “huge betrayal of trust”, accusing it of misrepresenting her father’s role and authority during his time as Prime Minister.
Daman Singh: Author and Memoirist
- Profession: Writer
- Age: 61
Daman Singh, the second daughter, is known for her insightful and personal writing. One of her most notable works is Strictly Personal: Manmohan and Gursharan, a memoir that offers a rare glimpse into the life of her father, Manmohan Singh, and their family. Through intimate anecdotes and reflections, the book highlights the challenges the Singh family faced during his tenure as Prime Minister. Daman’s literary pursuits are not limited to memoirs; she has also written extensively on environmental issues.
Daman is married to Ashok Patnaik, a former senior officer in the Indian Police Service (IPS), and they have a son. Her writing not only provides personal insights into her father’s character but also contributes to public discourse on political and environmental issues.
Amrit Singh: Lawyer and Academic
- Profession: Human Rights Lawyer
- Current Role: Staff Attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Professor of Law at Stanford Law School
- Age: 58
The youngest of Manmohan Singh’s daughters, Amrit Singh dedicated her career to defending human rights and advocating for justice. A graduate of the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and Yale Law School, Amrit has had a distinguished career in law. She currently serves as a staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and is also a professor of law at Stanford Law School.
Amrit has worked on some of the most important legal cases related to civil liberties and human rights, including cases that focus on governmental accountability and transparency. Her previous work with the Open Society Initiative furthered her commitment to justice and human rights, and her teaching has inspired many future legal professionals.
Though Amrit’s personal life remains largely private, her professional achievements reflect a dedication to the values of fairness and equity that have guided her throughout her career.
Legacy of Manmohan Singh’s Daughters
While each of Manmohan Singh’s daughters pursued a different path, they have all made remarkable contributions to their respective fields. Through their work in history, literature, and law, Upinder, Daman, and Amrit have upheld the legacy of their father’s values – integrity, diligence, and a commitment to public service. Moreover, they have also played a significant role in defending their father’s image, particularly during times when it came under scrutiny.
In their personal and professional lives, these women have exemplified the principles of academic excellence, social responsibility, and ethical leadership. Their individual successes, grounded in hard work and dedication, reflect not only their father’s legacy but their own unique contributions to Indian and global society.
A Brief Overview of Their Lives Today
- Upinder Singh (65) is married to Vijay Tankha, an academician and writer, and they have two children.
- Daman Singh (61) is married to Ashok Patnaik, a former senior IPS officer, and they have one son.
- Amrit Singh (58) has kept details of her personal life private, focusing on her work as a lawyer and academic.
In their own ways, Manmohan Singh’s daughters have enriched the spheres of education, literature, and human rights, continuing to make a significant impact in their respective fields.
