I didn't understand the implications of the state-controlled license raj economy as a kid growing up in the 80s, but there are memories. It took months to get a new landline or move through the waitlist for a new scooter. Most of the neighborhood had a can of kerosene as a backup because the gas cylinder delivery was hardly predictable. Taking a flight was something the rich did. The only access to imported goods was if you had a relative flying back. And, of course, one government-run TV channel. Manmohan Singh architected a new future for a billion dreams.