Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh was cremated with full state honours on Saturday at the Nigambodh Ghat, a public cremation ground in the national capital. The solemn ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries and leaders from across the political spectrum, as well as international representatives.
The funeral was marked by the presence of several prominent figures, including President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi. Dr. Singh’s body was first taken to the Congress headquarters in Delhi, where party members and the public paid their final respects.
The Centre has declared a seven-day state mourning as a mark of respect for the late Prime Minister. During this period, the national flag will fly at half-mast across the country. All official programs of the Congress Party, including its Foundation Day celebration, have been cancelled until January 3.
December 28 Declared National Mourning Day for Dr. Manmohan Singh
In honor of the late Dr. Manmohan Singh, India’s former Prime Minister and renowned economist, the Central Government has declared December 28 a national day of mourning. The country will observe a seven-day mourning period until January 1, 2024. During this time, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast across India and at all Indian embassies and high commissions abroad. Additionally, central government offices will close half-day on Saturday as a mark of respect.
Tributes from Congress
Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge, joined the nation in mourning the loss of the visionary leader. The Congress Working Committee described Dr. Singh’s death as the loss of a “true statesman,” issuing a heartfelt statement: “Dr. Singh was a towering figure in India’s political and economic landscape, whose contributions transformed the country and earned him respect worldwide.”
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Prominent political leaders across the spectrum paid their respects. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his condolences, lauding Dr. Singh’s remarkable contributions to India’s growth and service to the nation. Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, along with BJP President JP Nadda, also offered tributes, recognizing Dr. Singh’s pivotal role in shaping modern India.
Global Condolences
Dr. Singh’s passing reverberated globally, with tributes pouring in from world leaders:
- President Emmanuel Macron of France highlighted Dr. Singh’s contributions to strengthening India-France relations.
- Bangladesh Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus expressed gratitude for Dr. Singh’s efforts to foster regional cooperation.
- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised his leadership during India’s economic transformation.
- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, and former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed also conveyed their condolences, recognizing his role as a global statesman.
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s legacy as an architect of economic liberalization and a respected leader continues to resonate both nationally and internationally.
