In brief
The nation grieves the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92, with a heartfelt state funeral attended by dignitaries and citizens alike.
India has bid farewell to its former Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, with a solemn state funeral held in Delhi, following his passing at the age of 92. Singh, who served from 2004 to 2014, was revered as the architect of India's economic liberalization, a significant contributor to the country's growth trajectory. His funeral took place on Saturday, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various prominent leaders.As Singh's coffin, adorned with an Indian flag and surrounded by garlands of flowers, made its way through the streets of Delhi, mourners flocked to pay their respects, showcasing their collective sorrow. Flanked by an honor guard, the procession reflected the profound impact Singh had on the nation. His eldest daughter participated in the poignant ceremony by lighting his funeral pyre at the crematorium, witnessed by senior officials, including President Droupadi Murmu and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar.International tributes underscored Singh's global significance, with foreign dignitaries in attendance, including Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Mauritius' Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful. Modi, who called Singh one of the "most distinguished leaders," spoke highly of his "wisdom and humility." Former Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his loss, referring to Singh as "a mentor and a guide." US President Joe Biden's statement highlighted Singh's invaluable role in fostering unprecedented cooperation between India and the United States. He praised Singh as a "true statesman" and a "dedicated public servant," emphasizing his kindness and humility.Singh's legacy extends beyond politics, marked by his decisive moves during his tenure as finance minister in 1991, which altered India's economic landscape and helped lift millions out of poverty. He famously remarked during his first budget speech, "No power on Earth can stop an idea whose time has come," symbolizing his commitment to progress.Despite his accomplishments, Singh's leadership faced challenges, particularly during his second term, which was shadowed by corruption allegations. These controversies were seen as a contributing factor to the Congress party's defeat in the 2014 general election, marking a bittersweet end to an era for the Indian political landscape.
