New Delhi, Dec 27: From leaders to common man, people from every walk of life are mourning the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Draupadi Murmu, the crowd of mourners waited patiently in the pouring rain at New Delhi’s 3-Motilal Nehru Marg bungalow to pay respects to India’s 14th Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who breathed his last late on Thursday night.
Prime Minister Modi expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh. He remarked that Dr. Singh’s demise was a significant loss for the nation. The Prime Minister said that achieving success in every field of life is not an ordinary feat and Dr. Singh was an achiever despite having lost much after he came to India during the partition. He added that Dr. Singh’s life teaches future generations how to rise above adversity and achieve great heights.
Modi emphasized that Dr. Singh will always be remembered as a kind person, a learned economist, and a leader dedicated to reforms and highlighted Dr. Singh’s numerous contributions to the Indian government at various levels as an economist. The Prime Minister lauded Dr. Singh’s role as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India during challenging times.
The Prime Minister noted that as Finance Minister in the government of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna P.V. Narasimha Rao, Dr. Manmohan Singh guided the country out of a financial crisis and onto a new economic path. He emphasized that Dr. Singh’s contributions to the nation’s development and progress as Prime Minister will always be remembered. He added that Dr. Singh’s commitment to the people and the country’s development was always held in high regard.
Modi underscored that Dr. Singh’s life was a reflection of his honesty and simplicity. He highlighted Dr. Singh’s distinguished parliamentary career was marked by his humility, gentleness, and intellect. The Prime Minister recalled that even at the end of Dr. Singh’s tenure in the Rajya Sabha earlier this year, he had praised Dr. Singh’s dedication as an inspiration to all. Despite his physical challenges, Dr. Singh attended important sessions in a wheelchair, fulfilling his parliamentary duties.
The Prime Minister remarked that despite receiving education from prestigious global institutions and holding top government positions, Dr. Singh never forgot the values of his humble background. He added that Dr. Singh always rose above party politics, maintaining contact with individuals from all parties and being easily accessible to everyone. The Prime Minister fondly remembered his open discussions with Dr. Singh on national and international issues during his tenure as Chief Minister and later in Delhi. He expressed his condolences to Dr. Singh’s family and paid tribute to him on behalf of all citizens.
Earlier, the Centre announced with profound sorrow the death of Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India on 26.12.2024 at AIIMS hospital, New Delhi.
As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, it has been decided that seven days of state mourning will be observed throughout India from 26.12.2024 to 01.01.2025 both days inclusive. During this period the National flag will be flown at half-mast throughout India where it is regularly flown and there will be no official entertainment during the period of state mourning. It has also been decided that the state funeral will be accorded to the late Dr. Manmohan Singh.
The National flag shall also fly half-mast on the day of the funeral in all Indian Missions/High Commissions of India abroad.