Manmohan Singh's last rites: Leaders mourn.

Manmohan Singh’s last rites: Leaders mourn.

Manmohan Singh’s last rites: Leaders mourn.

The mortal remains of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were transported from his residence at 3, Motilal Nehru Road to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters on Saturday morning, a little before 9 AM. The solemn procession was marked by an outpouring of grief from party leaders, workers, and citizens who had gathered to pay their respects to the departed leader.

Manmohan Singh, known for his remarkable contributions to India’s economic reforms and steady governance during his tenure as Prime Minister, was widely revered across political lines. His calm demeanor, intellectual depth, and unwavering commitment to public service earned him admiration both within the country and on the global stage.

At the AICC headquarters, senior Congress leaders, party members, and supporters gathered to bid a final farewell, reflecting the immense respect and affection Singh commanded during his lifetime. Tributes poured in from all quarters, underscoring the profound loss felt by the nation as it mourns the passing of one of its most distinguished leaders.

New Delhi: Farewell to Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

The mortal remains of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reached Delhi’s Nigambodh Ghat crematorium on Saturday night, where the final rites were performed with full solemnity. The nation bid adieu to one of its most distinguished leaders, who passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92 due to age-related complications.

Before the final rites, Sikh priests and members of Singh’s family recited verses from Gurbani, a tradition reflecting the former Prime Minister’s faith and cultural heritage. The atmosphere at Nigambodh Ghat was one of profound grief and respect as friends, family, and dignitaries gathered to honor his life and contributions.

The procession carrying Singh’s mortal remains reached the crematorium at approximately 11:30 PM. Earlier in the day, the body was transported from his residence at 3, Motilal Nehru Road to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters, where it was placed for public viewing. The AICC office saw an influx of senior leaders, party workers, and citizens who came to pay their respects to the man who served as India’s Prime Minister for a decade, from 2004 to 2014.

Among those present at Nigambodh Ghat were Singh’s wife, Gursharan Kaur, and one of their daughters, who laid a wreath on his body in a poignant gesture of farewell. Their private grief was shared by the nation, as tributes poured in from political leaders, international dignitaries, and citizens across the country. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and numerous political leaders paid their respects, acknowledging Singh’s profound contributions to the nation’s development.

A Legacy of Economic Transformation

Manmohan Singh will be remembered most notably for his role as the architect of India’s economic liberalization in the early 1990s. As Finance Minister in the Narasimha Rao government, Singh introduced sweeping reforms that opened India’s economy to global markets, paving the way for economic growth and modernization. His vision transformed India from a struggling economy into one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

Under his government, landmark initiatives such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Right to Education Act were implemented, reflecting his dedication to improving

Tributes Pour In

Tributes to Singh highlighted his intellectual depth, humility, and unwavering commitment to public service. President Murmu described him as a “statesman par excellence,” while Prime Minister Modi praised his contributions to India’s development and lauded his calm demeanor during times of crisis. Former Congress President Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi called him the “guiding light of India’s progress” and a leader who exemplified dignity and dedication in public life.

Beyond political circles, Singh’s death elicited grief and admiration from economists, academics, and ordinary citizens who recognized his pivotal role in shaping modern India. Messages from international leaders reflected the respect he commanded on the global stage. The world mourned the loss of a leader whose policies impacted not only India but also inspired developing economies worldwide.

A Humble Statesman

Despite his monumental achievements, Singh was known for his simplicity and humility. He avoided confrontation and preferred dialogue, earning him respect across political lines. His tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant challenges, including the global financial crisis of 2008, which he navigated with composure and expertise.

As the nation mourns his passing, Singh’s life serves as a reminder of the power of quiet determination and intellectual rigor in leadership. His ability to build consensus, foster economic growth, and maintain his integrity in the face of political challenges set him apart as a rare statesman in Indian politics.

Final Farewell

As the flames rose at Nigambodh Ghat, marking the conclusion of Manmohan Singh’s journey, the moment encapsulated a collective sense of loss. It was not just the passing of a former Prime Minister but the farewell of a leader whose vision and values reshaped India.

The nation will continue to honor Singh’s legacy, whether through the economic policies he championed, the inclusive development he envisioned, or the dignity he brought to public service. His life and work remain an inspiration for generations to come, reflecting the potential of leadership driven by intellect, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the greater good.

India has lost a statesman, an economist, and a compassionate leader, but his legacy will endure in the policies and progress of the country he loved and served. The void left by Manmohan Singh’s passing is immense, but so is the gratitude of a nation for his extraordinary contributions.

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