New Delhi, Dec 27: On Friday, President Droupadi Murmu paid her final respects to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at his Delhi residence. During her visit, she extended condolences to his bereaved family.
In her message of condolence, President Murmu expressed, “Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji was a unique politician who seamlessly bridged the realms of academia and administration. Throughout his various public service roles, he played a pivotal part in reforming the Indian economy. He will be remembered for his dedication to the nation, his exemplary political career, and his remarkable humility. His loss is profoundly felt by all. I offer my sincere homage to one of Bharat’s greatest sons and my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and supporters.”
On the same day, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar and his wife, Sudesh Dhankar, the second lady of India, also honored the memory of the former Prime Minister. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi similarly paid their respects following Singh’s demise on Thursday night at AIIMS, Delhi.
Vice President Dhankar, in his condolence message, remarked, “I am deeply saddened to learn of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji’s passing. As a former Prime Minister and distinguished economist, he transformed India’s economic landscape. A Padma Vibhushan awardee and the architect of India’s 1991 economic liberalization, he guided the nation through a crucial transition, paving the way for growth and prosperity. As Vice President, I was privileged to engage in profound and insightful discussions with Dr. Singh at his residence. His deep economic understanding, gentle demeanor, and unwavering dedication to India’s progress will forever remain in my memory.”
Singh, celebrated for his role in initiating the 1991 economic liberalization reforms while serving as Finance Minister, will be cremated near Rajghat, at the site designated for the last rites of Prime Ministers.
Numerous politicians and public figures have expressed their grief over the loss of former PM Manmohan Singh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday night, expressed condolences for Singh’s passing, stating that India mourns the departure of one of its most esteemed leaders.
Manmohan Singh passed away at AIIMS, Delhi, on Thursday evening at the age of 92 from age-related health issues. He lost consciousness suddenly at home and was subsequently rushed to the hospital.
Born on September 26, 1932, Singh was not only an esteemed economist but also served as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India from 1982 to 1985. He held office as the 13th PM of India from 2004 to 2014, making him the longest-serving PM after Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.
As Finance Minister under PV Narasimha Rao, Singh is credited with the economic liberalization of India in 1991, which opened the Indian economy to foreign investment, enhancing FDI, and reducing government control, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic expansion.
His administration also launched the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), later known as MGNREGA, and passed the Right to Information Act (RTI) in 2005, which improved transparency between the government and the public.
Earlier this year, he retired from the Rajya Sabha after serving for 33 years. (Agencies)
