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On 28th December, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was cremated with full state honours at the Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi's Kashmere Gate area. The ceremony was attended by his family, close friends, colleagues and prominent government officials. The former PM's passing away marked the end of a significant chapter in Indian politics and his final rites were conducted with great respect and dignity.
Earlier in the day, key figures from India's political leadership gathered to pay their last respects to Dr. Singh. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh offered tributes by placing wreaths near his mortal remains. Their presence symbolized the profound impact Dr. Singh had on the nation and its governance. The cremation ceremony adhered to Sikh traditions and took place at the VIP section of the Ghat. Dr. Singh's mortal remains were placed on a pyre of sandalwood, following customary rituals. The sombre atmosphere reflected the deep respect and admiration that many held for the former Prime Minister.
Congress Leaders and Supporters Join in Mourning
Prominent Congress leaders including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi attended the ceremony. They had earlier paid their tributes to Dr. Singh, who served as a cornerstone of the Congress Party during his tenure. Their presence underscored the late leader's legacy and his crucial role within the party.
Public Tributes at AICC Headquarters
Before the cremation, Dr. Singh’s mortal remains were transported to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in Delhi. This allowed party workers and other admirers to pay their last respects. Many supporters also gathered outside his residence in Delhi early morning, offering their tributes and reflecting on his remarkable contributions to the nation.
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s passing away marks the loss of a distinguished leader who dedicated his life to serving India. His contributions as an economist and politician have left an indelible mark on the country’s history. The ceremonious farewell highlighted the widespread respect and admiration for his decades of public service.
His passing away as a revered economist and former Prime Minister of India, has left a deep void in the nation and the world. Leaders across the political group have paid heartfelt tributes by recognizing his immense contributions and remarkable character.
A Visionary Leader Who Changed Lives
Congress leader Madhusudan Mistry expressed profound sorrow over Dr. Singh’s demise, highlighting his enduring legacy. According to Mistry, Dr. Singh’s work resulted in the creation of lifelong policies that positively impacted millions of people. He remarked, “His demise is a loss for everyone,” reflecting the collective grief of the nation.
Congress leader Mumtaz Patel also shared her thoughts, emphasizing Dr. Singh’s strength and humanity. Patel noted, “Today, India has lost a great man. He was not just a good leader but also a very good human being.” She dispelled misconceptions about Dr. Singh’s leadership, adding, “People called him a weak Prime Minister, but it was wrong. He always worked for the country, proving himself to be both strong and kind.”
A Global Figure of Simplicity and Nobility
Congress MP Manish Tewari reflected on the broader impact of Dr. Singh’s life, describing the moment as profoundly disturbing. “A very fine person, a renowned economist, and a world statesperson is not with us today. It is a sad day not only for India but for the world,” he said. Tewari praised Dr. Singh’s noble and simple lifestyle, concluding with heartfelt wishes for his soul to rest in peace.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar lauded Dr. Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister, during which he took several transformative initiatives. Shivakumar highlighted the “revolutions” brought about under Dr. Singh’s leadership and emphasized that his contributions will remain in history. Quoting the former Prime Minister, he urged both the media and opposition to acknowledge and remember his invaluable efforts.
Honoring His Legacy
As part of the tributes, the Government has announced plans to establish a memorial for Dr. Singh. Home Minister Amit Shah informed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Dr. Singh’s family that space would be allocated for this purpose. While the process of forming a trust and finalizing the location is underway, preparations for his cremation and associated formalities have commenced.
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s passing marks the end of an era. His unwavering dedication to the country, coupled with his humility and intellect, leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations. As India mourns this monumental loss, his vision and values remain a guiding light for the nation’s future.
Dr. Manmohan Singh: A Journey of Economic Transformation and Political Leadership
Dr. Manmohan Singh emerged as a pivotal figure in India's economic and political landscape, leaving an indelible mark through his remarkable career. His journey from a distinguished economist to the nation's prime minister represents a remarkable trajectory of public service and national development.
Economic Architect of Modern India: Early Economic Reforms
As Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996, Singh became the architect of India's economic liberalization. He introduced groundbreaking reforms that fundamentally transformed the country's economic framework by opening India to global markets and setting the stage for unprecedented growth.
Prime Ministerial Tenure
Serving as the 13th Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, Singh led India through complex economic challenges with steady and pragmatic leadership. His tenure witnessed India's emergence as a significant global economic power with the economy growing at an impressive average of 7.7%.
The Assassination That Shook a Nation
The tragic events of 1984 were set in motion by the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Her Sikh bodyguards carried out the act as retaliation for her decision to order military action against separatist forces in the Golden Temple, Sikhism's holiest site, located in Amritsar, Punjab. This controversial operation, known as Operation Blue Star, left deep scars on the Sikh community, which led to exacerbated feelings of betrayal and alienation.
The Aftermath: Unprecedented Violence
Indira Gandhi's assassination ignited a wave of horrific violence against Sikhs across India, resulting in the deaths of over 3,000 members of the community and the widespread destruction of their homes and businesses. The riots marked by organized brutality, underscored deep-seated communal tensions and exposed failures in maintaining law and order.
A Historic Apology in Parliament
In 2005, then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh took a bold and unprecedented step by addressing the nation from Parliament. Recognizing the gravity of the events, he referred to the riots as a “disapproval of the concept of nationhood” as outlined in India's constitution. Singh’s words carried a profound sense of responsibility and guilt.
"I have no hesitation in apologizing to the Sikh community," he declared. "I apologize not only to the Sikh community but to the entire Indian nation." His heartfelt apology was a rare moment of political accountability as no other prime minister from the Congress party had gone so far as to express regret for the riots, even in the Parliament.
Key Achievements
- Implemented critical legislation like the Right to Information Act.
- Established India as a founding member of BRICS.
- Navigated economic challenges with remarkable skill.
Legacy and Retirement
After two consecutive terms, Singh stepped down in 2014, making way for Narendra Modi. His retirement marked the end of a transformative era in Indian politics, characterized by economic reforms, inclusive growth, and international recognition. Singh's legacy is not just about economic numbers, but about reimagining India's potential on the global stage - a testament to his vision of an emerging economic superpower.
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