Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, one of India’s most respected statesmen and economists, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. Singh died at 9:51 pm at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, hours after being hospitalised following a sudden loss of consciousness. Despite efforts by doctors, he could not be revived, AIIMS confirmed.
Leaders across the political spectrum expressed heartfelt condolences, reflecting on Singh’s profound legacy and his indelible contributions to India’s progress.
Tributes Pour In From Across the Nation
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi described Singh as “a uniquely dignified and gentle man in the rough world of politics.” Reflecting on his legacy, she noted: “Few people in politics inspire the kind of respect that Sardar Manmohan Singh ji did. His honesty will always be an inspiration for us… He was genuinely egalitarian, wise, strong-willed, and courageous until the end.”
Few people in politics inspire the kind of respect that Sardar Manmohan Singh ji did.
His honesty will always be an inspiration for us and he will forever stand tall among those who truly love this country as someone who remained steadfast in his commitment to serve the nation… pic.twitter.com/BXA6zHG2Fq
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) December 26, 2024
Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda called Singh a “great economist of the world” and praised his pivotal role in ushering in economic reforms.
ALSO READ: ‘His wisdom and humility were always visible’: PM Modi mourns death of Dr Manmohan Singh
“Through his work, he took the country forward on the path of progress and gave it a distinct identity across the world,” Hooda tweeted, describing Singh’s death as an “irreparable loss.”
दुनिया के महान् अर्थशास्त्री, भारत में आर्थिक सुधारों के पुरोधा और अपने काम के ज़रिये देश को प्रगति पथ पर आगे बढ़ाकर दुनिया भर में अलग पहचान दिलाने वाले पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री डॉ. मनमोहन सिंह जी के निधन की खबर से मन व्यथित है।
उनके जाने से राजनीतिक जगत् को अपूरणीय क्षति हुई है, जो… pic.twitter.com/MTLZEzbQib
— Bhupinder S Hooda (@BhupinderShooda) December 26, 2024
A Giant Among Leaders
Omar Abdullah, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, called Singh an intellectual giant and wrote, “Very sorry to hear about the demise of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh. I had many occasions to interact & learn from him. He was truly an intellectual giant, an accomplished economist but above all he was a thorough gentleman, a giant among pygmies. India has lost a great son with his passing. Rest in peace sir & thank you for everything.”
ALSO READ: Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh dies at 92
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi also mourned the loss, highlighting Singh’s erudition and dignity, which she said “will always be remembered.”
Profoundly stunned and saddened by the sudden demise of our former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ji.
I had worked with him and saw him from very close quarters in the Union Cabinet. His erudition and wisdom were unquestionable, and the depth of the financial reforms ushered in…
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 26, 2024
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recalled working alongside Singh in the Union Cabinet and described him as a steward of financial reforms. “His erudition and wisdom were unquestionable… The country will miss his stewardship, and I shall miss his affection,” she wrote.
Architect of Modern India’s Economic Transformation
Manmohan Singh served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 and is widely credited with spearheading the economic liberalization reforms of the 1990s during his tenure as Finance Minister. A statesman of unparalleled integrity, Singh’s efforts elevated India on the global stage and earned him admiration both at home and abroad.
As the nation bids farewell to its 13th Prime Minister, tributes continue to pour in from every corner of India, underscoring the profound impact of his life and work. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will endure as a beacon of hope, wisdom, and resilience.
Manmohan Singh is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and their three daughters. Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
