Former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s funeral proceedings are set to begin tomorrow with a full state honours ceremony. The last rites of India’s former Prime Minister, a distinguished economist, and the architect of economic liberalisation, will be conducted in Delhi. The funeral procession will commence from the Congress headquarters at 9:30 am, and his final journey will culminate at the Nigambodh Ghat crematorium at approximately 11:45 am. This will be a solemn occasion for the nation, with leaders and citizens alike coming together to pay their respects.
Dr. Manmohan Singh Funeral: A Nation Mourns the Loss
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s funeral is a poignant moment for India, marking the end of an era shaped by his vision. As one of the most respected figures in Indian politics, Dr. Singh’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes. The Congress headquarters in Delhi will be the starting point for the funeral procession at 9:30 am on Saturday. Earlier in the day, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s body will be taken to the Congress headquarters at 8 am, where Congress workers and the public can offer their last tributes. The procession will then proceed to Nigambodh Ghat, where the funeral rites are expected to be performed around 11:45 am.
Leaders from India and Abroad Pay Tribute to Dr. Manmohan Singh
The passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh has been deeply felt by leaders across the world. In Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge, along with chief ministers from various states, have all paid their respects at Dr. Singh’s residence. Several foreign dignitaries, including French President Emmanuel Macron, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, also extended their condolences, recognizing Dr. Singh’s diplomatic efforts and his role in shaping India’s international stature.
Congress Requests Memorial for Dr. Manmohan Singh
In light of Dr. Manmohan Singh’s immense contributions to India’s political and economic fabric, the Congress has urged the government to allocate a memorial site to honor him. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to request that Dr. Singh’s final resting place be one where a memorial could be established. The Congress has emphasized that Dr. Singh’s legacy deserves a permanent tribute. A decision on this matter is expected to follow the completion of his funeral rites.
National Mourning Declared, Flags at Half-Mast
The government of India has declared a seven-day national mourning period in honour of the late Prime Minister. From December 27 to January 1, flags will be flown at half-mast across the nation, including at all Indian embassies and high commissions worldwide. Additionally, a half-day holiday will be observed in all central government offices and Central Public Sector Undertakings on Saturday. The period of mourning is a mark of respect for Dr. Singh’s lasting influence on India’s national life.
Remembering Dr. Manmohan Singh’s Legacy
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s contributions to India’s economic transformation cannot be overstated. He served as the Finance Minister during the early 1990s, a time when India was facing a severe economic crisis. It was under his leadership that India’s economic liberalisation was set into motion, changing the trajectory of the country’s growth. Later, as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, Dr. Singh was credited with overseeing significant economic expansion, social welfare initiatives, and infrastructure development.
Dr. Singh’s legacy is not only defined by his economic reforms but also by his calm demeanor, his intellectual rigor, and his ability to navigate complex political landscapes. He was widely regarded as a technocrat who prioritized the country’s long-term economic stability over immediate political gains. His tenure as Prime Minister was characterized by steady leadership and a commitment to national development.
Tributes Pour In from Political Leaders
The political leadership across India has paid tribute to Dr. Singh, acknowledging his invaluable contributions to the country. Prime Minister Modi, in his message, recalled the journey of Dr. Manmohan Singh, describing him as a towering figure whose life serves as an example of perseverance and success. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, also expressed condolences, highlighting Dr. Singh’s distinction as an eminent statesman and economist.
Leaders from opposition parties, including Congress, also paid homage to Dr. Singh, recognizing his role in shaping the economic and political future of India. The Congress Working Committee, in a resolution, remembered Dr. Manmohan Singh as a “true statesman” whose influence was felt globally. Other political figures, including Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, as well as BJP President JP Nadda, also paid their respects, underscoring the universal admiration for Dr. Singh’s contributions.
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s Impact on India’s Political and Economic Landscape
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s influence on India’s economic landscape is particularly notable. As Finance Minister in the early 1990s, he played a crucial role in steering India away from a potential financial collapse. The economic liberalisation policies he championed paved the way for the country’s rapid growth in the subsequent decades. Dr. Singh’s leadership was instrumental in reducing India’s fiscal deficit, opening the economy to global markets, and encouraging foreign investments.
His time as Prime Minister further solidified his status as a key architect of India’s growth. Dr. Singh’s administration focused on improving India’s infrastructure, advancing social welfare programs, and enhancing India’s role in global diplomacy. Under his leadership, India witnessed one of its longest periods of economic growth, while also experiencing social changes that reflected his progressive policies.
Despite facing challenges in his second term as Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh remained a figure of respect in both political and economic circles. His legacy is not only one of economic transformation but also of a man who steered the country through a complex and changing world order with dignity and intelligence.
As India bids adieu to Dr. Manmohan Singh, the nation not only mourns the loss of a leader but also reflects on the immense impact he had on the country’s growth and development over the past few decades. His funeral tomorrow will be a moment of reflection for a nation that has been forever shaped by his work.