National Mourning and Condolences
The central government has declared a seven-day national mourning period as a mark of respect to Dr. Singh. His last rites will be conducted with full state honors. The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will convene to pay tribute, and all government programs scheduled during this period have been canceled.
Congress has also suspended its official programs, including its foundation day celebrations, for the next seven days. “The party flag will be flown at half-mast, and programs will resume on January 3, 2025,” stated party general secretary K. C. Venugopal.
The Congress party also announced the suspension of all official programmes, including its foundation day celebrations, until January 3, 2025. General Secretary K.C. Venugopal said, “This includes all agitations and outreach programmes. Party programmes will resume on January 3. The party flag will be flown at half mast during this period of mourning.”
A Nation Pays Tribute
Prominent leaders from across the political spectrum expressed their condolences. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lauded Dr Singh’s contributions, stating, “As Finance Minister and Prime Minister, he played an important role in the governance of the country.” Similarly, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis remarked, “India has lost a great scholar, economist, and statesman with the demise of former PM Manmohan Singh. His contributions to the Indian economic reforms and his service to the nation as Prime Minister for 10 years will be remembered forever.”
President Droupadi Murmu highlighted Dr Singh’s role in transforming India’s economy. “He will always be remembered for his service to the nation, his unblemished political life, and his utmost humility,” she said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid homage, saying, “India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives.”
Legacy of Economic Reforms and Strategic Vision
Dr Singh, often hailed as the architect of India’s economic liberalisation, served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014. During his tenure, he spearheaded transformative policies that shaped India’s modern economic landscape. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar noted his contributions to foreign policy, saying, “While regarded as the architect of Indian economic reforms, he was equally responsible for the strategic corrections to our foreign policy.”Dr Singh’s achievements include pathbreaking legislation on rural employment, food security, and education. His leadership saw India achieve its highest GDP growth rates, and his role in the Indo-US nuclear deal significantly enhanced India’s global stature.
Tributes Across Borders
Condolences poured in from international leaders, reflecting Dr Singh’s impact beyond India. Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai called him “an unwavering ally and friend to the people of Afghanistan,” while former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed remembered him as “a benevolent father figure.” Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov praised his role in strengthening India-Russia ties.
In his tribute, Keshap hailed Dr Singh as the architect of the modern bilateral relationship between India and the United States.
In a post on X, Keshap noted that Manmohan Singh played a key role in elevating ties between the two nations. “Heartfelt condolences to the family of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji and to the people of India on his passing. Prime Minister Singh played a key role in elevating U.S. – India ties and modernizing the relationship, and embarking both democracies on a steady path of strategic, economic, and technological convergence,” Keshap wrote.
He further added, “Through his sustained leadership in achieving the transformative agreement on civilian nuclear energy cooperation, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was rightly regarded as an architect of the modern bilateral relationship. He will be remembered by many in America with honor and fondness for his gentle and clear leadership. May his noble soul rest in peace.”
A Distinguished Career
Born in Punjab in 1932, Dr Manmohan Singh’s illustrious career spanned decades, including roles as Chief Economic Adviser, Finance Secretary, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission. He was instrumental in steering India through its 1991 economic crisis as Finance Minister under the leadership of then-Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh summarised Dr Singh’s contributions, saying, “An extremely full and extraordinarily distinguished life has ended. He was the technocratic transformer of the Indian economy and a gentleman to the core.”
A Humble Leader Remembered
Throughout his life, Dr Singh remained known for his humility, integrity, and commitment to public service. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, called him a “mentor and guide,” adding, “Manmohan Singh Ji led India with immense wisdom and integrity.”
Business leaders, including Anand Mahindra and Gautam Adani, also paid their respects. Mahindra said, “You loved this nation, and your service to it will long be remembered.” Adani emphasised Dr Singh’s role in the 1991 economic reforms, calling him a “rare leader who spoke softly but achieved monumental strides through his actions.”
Dr Singh passed away at AIIMS Delhi due to age-related medical conditions. According to a statement from AIIMS, he was brought to the emergency department after a sudden loss of consciousness at home. Despite resuscitative efforts, he was declared dead at 9:51 PM.
As the nation observes this period of mourning, the legacy of Dr Manmohan Singh—a scholar, economist, and statesman—will continue to inspire generations to come.
