Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and several prominent political leaders gathered at the residence of the late former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Friday morning to pay their respects and offer condolences to his grieving family. Dr. Singh, who passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92, was deeply mourned across the nation, with leaders from all political parties acknowledging his immense contributions to India’s development and growth.
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s death marks the end of an era in Indian politics, as he is widely regarded as one of the most influential and respected leaders in the country’s post-independence history. In expressing his sorrow, Prime Minister Modi praised Dr. Singh’s remarkable vision and steadfast integrity, which were defining qualities of his leadership. PM Modi described the former Prime Minister’s contributions as indelible in the history of India, particularly his critical role in shaping the country’s economic trajectory.
In his tribute, PM Modi emphasized how Dr. Singh’s leadership was marked by an unwavering commitment to India’s progress. He noted that Dr. Singh’s vision for a modern, prosperous India shaped many of the country’s landmark policies. His efforts to open up the economy in the 1990s as Finance Minister paved the way for India’s emergence as a global economic power. Prime Minister Modi expressed deep respect for Dr. Singh’s calm demeanor and intellectual depth, which earned him admiration not only in India but also on the international stage.
Prime Minister Modi also shared his thoughts on Dr. Manmohan Singh’s passing via his official social media account on X (formerly Twitter). In his post, PM Modi wrote, “The demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh is a great loss to India. His unwavering commitment to public service and his monumental contributions to India’s growth will always be remembered. He was a leader whose vision transformed India’s economic landscape. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”
India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic… pic.twitter.com/clW00Yv6oP
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 26, 2024
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also offered heartfelt tributes to Dr. Singh, describing him as a statesman of the highest order. Shah highlighted the former Prime Minister’s contributions to India’s economic policies, particularly his role in overseeing some of the most crucial economic reforms in the nation’s history. Amit Shah praised Dr. Singh’s intellect and dedication, stating that his leadership in the early years of the 21st century played a pivotal role in ensuring India’s steady growth on the global stage.
BJP President and Union Minister J.P. Nadda, who also paid his respects, reflected on Dr. Singh’s decades of service to the nation. He underlined the late Prime Minister’s consistent dedication to public welfare and his long-standing commitment to improving the lives of millions of Indians. Nadda recognized Dr. Singh’s humility, professionalism, and dedication, which helped him navigate the complexities of Indian politics and governance. His contributions, Nadda remarked, were invaluable, particularly in the fields of economic policy and international relations.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a key ideological body in Indian politics, also expressed its condolences. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat offered a poignant tribute to Dr. Singh, recognizing his exceptional service to the nation. The RSS, in its official statement shared on the social media platform X, praised Dr. Singh’s rise from humble beginnings to the highest office in the land. The message from the RSS read, “The nation mourns the passing of Dr. Sardar Manmohan Singh, a distinguished leader and former Prime Minister. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh extends its deepest sympathies to his family and admirers. From humble beginnings, Dr. Singh rose to hold the nation’s highest office, leaving an indelible mark on India’s history.”
In recognition of Dr. Singh’s monumental legacy, the Central government announced a seven-day period of national mourning, lasting until January 1, 2025. A notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs instructed that the national flag be flown at half-mast across all states and Union Territories during this period, and all official entertainment programs be canceled as a mark of respect. This national mourning period is a reflection of the deep regard the nation holds for Dr. Singh and his decades of service to the country.
As a mark of further respect, Dr. Singh’s last rites will be conducted with full state honours, in keeping with the dignity and respect he earned during his long and distinguished career. His contributions, particularly in the economic sphere, are widely credited with transforming India into one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies.
Dr. Manmohan Singh served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, a tenure during which he played an instrumental role in furthering the country’s growth and global influence. However, his impact on India’s economy dates back to the early 1990s when, as Finance Minister, he introduced sweeping economic reforms that set the country on the path of liberalization. These reforms helped India emerge from a period of economic crisis and positioned the country as an increasingly important player in the global economy.
His leadership, which combined intellectual rigor with a calm and composed demeanor, earned him not only the respect of his peers but also the admiration of world leaders. Dr. Singh’s tenure was marked by economic stability, significant policy reforms, and a steady pursuit of inclusive growth. His legacy, particularly his pivotal role in India’s economic liberalization, will remain an enduring chapter in the nation’s history.
The nation mourns the loss of a leader whose life was dedicated to public service and whose contributions have significantly shaped India’s development into a global economic powerhouse. Dr. Singh’s leadership, wisdom, and humility will continue to inspire future generations of leaders.