Tributes pour in for Dr Manmohan Singh; former PM to be cremated on December 28

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, along with other prominent figures, paid their respects to former prime minister Manmohan Singh at his residence on Friday. Modi expressed that Singh’s passing was a great loss to the nation, emphasizing that his dedication to the people and the country’s development would always be honoured. In a video message, Modi recalled Singh’s journey, including his family’s migration to India and their struggles after Partition, highlighting Singh’s numerous achievements.

Singh, the architect of India’s economic reforms and a key figure in building political consensus, passed away at AIIMS, Delhi, late Thursday at the age of 92. The Union Cabinet also mourned his loss, recognizing him as a distinguished statesman who had left a lasting impact on national life. In a Cabinet meeting led by Modi, members observed a two-minute silence in honour of Singh and passed a Condolence Resolution. The resolution described Singh as a renowned economist and leader, whose contributions will be remembered. The government declared a seven-day State mourning to honour the former prime minister.

Singh’s body, draped in the Tricolour, was brought to his residence at 3, Motilal Nehru Road in Lutyens’ Delhi, where it was visited by leaders from various parties, along with his wife Gursharan Kaur and other family members. The final journey of the former prime minister will begin at 9:30 am on Saturday from the AICC headquarters, as announced by Congress general secretary KC Venugopal.

Modi praised Singh’s life as a source of inspiration for future generations, showcasing how one can overcome adversity to achieve success. Modi highlighted Singh’s various roles in government, including his tenure as Reserve Bank of India governor during challenging times, and his significant role as finance minister in the government of PV Narasimha Rao, where he set India on a new economic path. Modi also noted that Singh’s contributions as prime minister to India’s development would be remembered forever.

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Union ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, and BJP president JP Nadda were among those who paid their tributes.

Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi and AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were also present. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale expressed their condolences, acknowledging Singh’s lasting impact on India.

Born in Gah village of Punjab (now in Pakistan) on September 26, 1932, to Gurmukh Singh and Amrit Kaur, Singh passed his matriculation in 1948. He pursued higher education at the University of Cambridge, UK, earning a First Class Honours degree in Economics, followed by a DPhil in Economics from Oxford University.

Singh’s half-brother, Surjit Singh Kohli, shared that Singh had deep affection for his grandmother, who raised him after his mother’s early death. After migrating to India, the Singh family settled in a rented house in Amritsar until Singh graduated. Singh also attended an alumni meet at Hindu College in Amritsar a few years ago, where he interacted with staff fondly and recalled old memories. Locals also remembered Singh as someone who cared for Amritsar, mentioning several projects funded by the UPA government during his tenure.

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Several anecdotes about Singh emerged following his passing. Actress and JNU alumna Swara Bhaskar recalled how the PMO intervened to prevent the administration from taking action against students who displayed black flags at Singh during a campus event. Uttar Pradesh minister Asim Arun, who served as Singh’s close protection officer for nearly three years, shared his experiences, highlighting Singh’s simplicity and strong connection with the common people. Arun recalled Singh’s attachment to his modest Maruti Suzuki 800, preferring it over the fleet of high-security vehicles provided to him, including a luxurious BMW.

Singh, who served as prime minister from 2004 to 2014 and played a pivotal role in shaping India’s economic framework earlier as finance minister, was widely respected in global financial and economic circles. Under his leadership, the UPA government introduced significant initiatives, including the Right to Information Act, the Right to Education Act, and MNREGA. Singh is survived by his wife and three daughters.

Condolences have poured in from across the globe, including from the US, Canada, France, and Sri Lanka, following the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Leaders from neighbouring countries, including Nepal, the Maldives, and Afghanistan, expressed deep grief over Singh’s passing, highlighting his contributions and warm relations with their nations.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called him “one of the greatest champions of the bilateral strategic partnership.” Blinken said, “Dr Singh was one of the greatest champions of the US-India strategic partnership, and his work laid the foundation for much of what our countries have accomplished together in the past two decades.” He added, “At home, Dr Singh will be remembered for his economic reforms that spurred India’s rapid economic growth. We mourn Dr Singh’s passing and will always remember his dedication to bringing the United States and India closer together.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said, “India has lost a great man, and France a true friend, in the person of Dr Manmohan Singh. He had devoted his life to his country. Our thoughts are with his family and the people of India,” Macron posted on X.

Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressed his sadness, calling Singh an individual of “exceptional intelligence, integrity, and wisdom” and extending condolences to his family and friends.

Former Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ posted, “Deeply saddened by the demise of Dr Manmohan Singh, a visionary leader and an extraordinary statesman. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of India. His legacy will inspire generations.”

Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed wrote, “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.”

Former President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa remembered Singh as a “visionary economist and the architect of India’s economic liberalization.” “Deeply saddened by the passing of former Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. A visionary economist and the architect of India’s economic liberalization, his contributions shaped a new era for India. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the people of India.”

Former President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, 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.”

Government sources confirmed that a seven-day national mourning will be observed, and Singh’s last rites will be conducted with full state honours.

Former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim posted a heartfelt tribute for his “honoured and cherished friend.” “The weight of grief bears down on me at the news of the passing of my honoured and cherished friend: Dr Manmohan Singh. Obituaries, essays, and books aplenty will surely be written about this great man, celebrating him as the architect of India’s economic reforms. As Prime Minister, Dr Singh was the midwife of India’s emergence as one of the world’s economic giants,” he wrote. He also recalled how, during Ibrahim’s incarceration, Singh had extended kindness by offering scholarships for his children, especially his son Ihsan. “Such acts of quiet magnanimity defined him, and they will remain etched in my heart forever,” he added. “Goodbye, my mitra, my bhai, Manmohan.”