Former Prime Minister and Senior Congress Leader Dr. Manmohan Singh died at 92 on Thursday night, December 26, 2024. He was admitted to the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi after his health deteriorated. The economist left an indelible mark on India’s economic policy.
He last breathed at the hospital and was pronounced dead at 9:51 pm. Senior Congress leaders like Priyanka Gandhi and others visited AIIMS Delhi earlier in the evening. The government has declared a seven-day mourning period as a mark of respect to former PM Manmohan Singh. His last rites will be conducted with full state honors on Saturday, December 28, 2024.
The Union Cabinet under PM Narendra Modi will meet on Friday, and the scheduled government programs will be canceled. To mark respect and honor, the Congress party has also canceled their official standing programs, including their foundation day celebrations for the next seven days.
“This includes all agitations and outreach programs. Party programs will resume on January 3, 2025. This party flag will be flown at half-mast during this period of mourning,” KC Venugopal, Congress General Secretary, said.
Leaders Mourn Over Former PM’s Demise
While remembering Singh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to his official X and shared some glimpses of their earlier meetings.
“Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji and I interacted regularly when he was PM and I was the CM of Gujarat. We would have extensive deliberations on various subjects relating to governance. His wisdom and humility were always visible. In this grief, my thoughts are with the family, his friends, and countless admirers. Om Shanti,” PM Modi added.
PM Modi mourned his loss and called Dr Singh one of India’s most distinguished leaders. While President Draupadi Murmu called him one of the greatest sons of Bharat. She also praised his contributions to shaping the Indian economy.
Taking to social media platform X, senior Congress leader and leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi said, “Manmohan Singh Ji led India with immense wisdom and integrity. His humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the nation. My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Kaur and the family.
“I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with utmost pride,” the Rae Bareli MP said while sharing some pictures with him.
Global Leaders Express Condolences Over Singh’s Demise
Meanwhile, the condolences from across the globe have also poured in following the demise of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Leaders from neighboring countries, including the Maldives and Afghanistan, also expressed their deep grief.
Hamid Karzai, former President of Afghanistan, took to X and said, “India has lost one of its most illustrious sons. #Dr_Manmohan_Singh was an unwavering ally and friend to the people of #Afghanistan. I profoundly mourn his passing and extend my deepest condolences to his family, the government, and the people of India. May his soul find eternal peace.”
Former Maldivian Prime Minister Mohamed Nasheed, on his official X handle, mentioned that he found the former prime minister to be a benevolent father figure and a good friend of the Maldives.
“So sad to hear Manmohan Singh has passed. I always found him a delight to work with and like a benevolent father figure. He was a good friend of the Maldives.”
Mohamed Nasheed
Denis Alipov, Russia’s ambassador to India, said that the passing of Dr Singh is a moment of poignant sorrow and grief.
“It is a moment of poignant sorrow and grief for India and for Russia. Dr. Manmohan Singh’s contribution to our bilateral ties was immeasurable. His suave demeanor was always endearing, as unquestionable was his expertise as an economist and his commitment to the progress of India,” he wrote on X.
Legacy of Manmohan Singh
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh served as the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014. During his tenure, he led India through a period of robust economic growth, social reforms, and increased global engagement. His tenure was marked by efforts to improve and strengthen India’s infrastructure, education, and health. Prior to this, Singh also served the Finance Minister of India in 1991, during which he played a crucial role in liberalizing India’s economy.
Singh has also worked to strengthen India’s international bilateral ties, particularly with the United States, through the India-US civil nuclear agreement. This was a significant step in recognizing India as a responsible global power. Before starting his political journey, Singh was a renowned economist, holding prestigious positions as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India and the Chief Economic Advisor. His academic insights have led him to leave an everlasting impact on the Indian economy.
Kanishka Malhotra is a seasoned journalist with a deep passion for reporting and uncovering the truth. With a specialization in research and investigative Journalism, she has covered wide range of topics related to social issues, travel, lifestyle, technology, Entertainment and much more. She believes to express and share her creativity to the world through words. With relentless pursuit of knowing and uncovering the truth, Kanishka continues to leave a mark in the world of journalism.
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