A seven-day state mourning has been declared by the Indian government in honour of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 92 in Delhi after a prolonged illness. Dr. Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic liberalisation, left behind a legacy of transformative reforms and political integrity.
Nation Pays Tribute to Dr. Manmohan Singh
The government announced that all official programs scheduled for Friday have been cancelled as a mark of respect. Similarly, the Congress Party has suspended all events, including its Foundation Day celebrations, for the next seven days. General Secretary KC Venugopal emphasized that these steps reflect the immense contribution Dr. Singh made to the nation’s progress.
Special Honors During Funeral
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s last rites will be performed on Saturday at 11 a.m. near Shakti Sthal in Delhi. A special protocol will be followed to honor his legacy as a two-time Prime Minister and the architect of the 1991 economic reforms. His body will be draped in the national flag and a 21-gun salute will be conducted during the ceremony.
Military bands and Armed Forces personnel will participate in the final procession, showcasing the nation’s respect for one of its most iconic leaders. This solemn event will underscore Dr. Singh’s pivotal role in shaping modern India.
Legacy of Economic Reforms
As Finance Minister under PV Narasimha Rao’s leadership, Dr. Singh introduced sweeping economic reforms in 1991. These measures pulled India out of a severe financial crisis and set the stage for unprecedented economic growth. Often credited as the father of India’s economic liberalisation, Dr. Singh transformed a near-bankrupt nation into one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
His tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 also saw landmark policies, including the Right to Information Act and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, which significantly impacted India’s socio-economic landscape.
Remembering a Gentle Statesman
Known for his humility and intellectual prowess, Dr. Singh was a leader who preferred action over rhetoric. He often described himself as an “accidental politician” but earned the admiration of millions for his dedication and integrity. His ability to balance economic pragmatism with social welfare made him a unique figure in Indian politics.
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s death marks the end of an era, leaving a void in the nation’s leadership. As tributes pour in from across the political spectrum, his contributions to India’s development will remain etched in the annals of history.