But it was the unassuming academician-turned-technocrat-turned-politician that Congress president turned to after deciding not to take up the position of prime minister.

Many feared that the apolitical Singh would be torn apart by the sharks in Indian politics. But in the four months that he has been prime minister, he has not shown any signs of buckling before powerbrokers.

On September 26, Singh will turn 73. rediff.com looks at the extraordinary journey of this ordinary Indian