Condolence messages from across the world and political lines have been pouring in following the death of the renowned economist, statesman and two-time Prime Minister of India. Dr Manmohan Singh.
Dr. Manmohan Singh, the 14th Prime Minister of India, passed away on Thursday at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, at the age of 92.
A seven-day state mourning has been declared, with the national flag at half-mast until January 1, 2025. Dr. Singh will be accorded a state funeral, and a half-day holiday has been announced for central government offices on the day of the funeral.
As a key architect of India’s economic liberalization, Dr. Singh served as Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996, introducing groundbreaking reforms.
He headed the UPA government as Prime Minister for two consecutive terms, from 2004 to 2014. Born in 1932 in Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Dr. Singh had an illustrious academic and professional career.
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi paid heartfelt tributes to Dr. Singh’s humility, wisdom, and dedication to the nation.
In his condolence message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, “The demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh ji has deeply pained our hearts. His passing is a tremendous loss to us as a nation. He will always be remembered as a kind-hearted individual, a scholarly economist, and a leader dedicated to reforms”
Rahul Gandhi described Dr. Singh as a mentor and guide, emphasizing his integrity and profound understanding of economics.
The Union Cabinet also expressed profound sorrow over Dr. Singh’s demise, passing a resolution that read, “Dr. Manmohan Singh has left his imprint on our national life. In his passing, the nation has lost an eminent statesman, renowned economist, and distinguished leader.”
The Central Government has declared seven days of national mourning as a mark of respect for the former Prime Minister, with the national flag flying at half-mast throughout the country. A state funeral will be accorded to Dr. Singh.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and other Congress leaders expressed deep shock over Dr. Manmohan Singh’s passing away. The Himachal Pradesh government has declared a two-day state holiday as a mark of respect.
Dr. Singh’s final journey will begin from the Congress headquarters in Delhi on Saturday, where members of the public and party leaders will pay their last respects.
