In brief
India has come together to honor the legacy of Manmohan Singh, its former Prime Minister who passed away at the age of 92. Known as the architect of the country’s economic liberalization during his tenure from 2004 to 2014, Singh was celebrated with a state funeral in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who attended the ceremony on Saturday, regarded Singh as one of the nation’s most distinguished leaders.
His funeral procession drew a large crowd, reflecting the high regard in which he was held. Singh’s casket, draped in the Indian flag and adorned with flowers, was escorted through the capital, culminating at the cremation grounds where his eldest daughter performed the last rites. Attending dignitaries included President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and notable foreign representatives like Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful.Singh’s death prompted a national mourning period of seven days as tributes poured in. Modi emphasized Singh’s wisdom and humility, stating he had greatly improved the lives of many during his prime ministership. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi described Singh as a mentor and guide. US President Joe Biden echoed these sentiments, crediting Singh for fostering unprecedented cooperation between the US and India and praising his character as a dedicated public servant.During his leadership, Singh was instrumental in shifting India's economic landscape, ensuring millions escaped poverty and establishing the nation as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. His notable first budget speech emphasized the unstoppable nature of transformative ideas. Despite his significant achievements, Singh's second term faced challenges due to corruption scandals that hindered his party’s performance in subsequent elections. Manmohan Singh has left a lasting impact on Indian politics and economics, and his contributions to the nation will be remembered by generations to come.
