LIVE | India bids farewell to Manmohan Singh; Rahul Gandhi attacks Modi govt
Manmohan Singh's funeral at Nigambodh Ghat on Saturday: MHA
The last rites of former prime minister Manmohan Singh will be conducted at 11:45 am Saturday at the Nigambodh Ghat crematorium here with State honours, the Union Home Ministry said.
Singh died Thursday night at the AIIMS here at the age of 92.
"It has been decided by the Government that State funeral will be accorded to Dr. Manmohan Singh. The funeral will take place at 11:45 AM on 28h December, 2024 at Nigambodh Ghat, New Delhi," the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said in a communication on Friday.
It said the Ministry of Defence has been requested to make arrangements for according Singh State funeral with full military honours.
Industry, entrepreneurs owe debt of gratitude to reforms under Singh's leadership: Sunil Mittal
The Indian industry, economy, and entrepreneurs in particular, owe a debt of gratitude to the liberalisation reforms that were ushered in the early 90s under Manmohan Singh's leadership, Bharti Enterprises Founder and Chairman Sunil Mittal said on Friday.
Mittal further said that as a prime minister, finance minister and an economist, Singh had secured his place among India's tallest leaders.
"I am deeply saddened by the passing away of Dr Manmohan Singh. Indian industry, economy and especially entrepreneurs owe a debt of gratitude to the liberalisation reforms that were ushered in the early 90s under his leadership," Mittal said as he joined India Inc in paying tributes to Singh, who passed away at the age of 92.
Describing the former PM's death as a "a great loss", Mittal recalled accompanying Singh - then the prime minister - as part of various business delegations overseas on several occasions.
"...some of us who are carrying forward his legacy of economic reforms would not have been here without his path-breaking policy shift in 1991-92," Mittal said adding that a slew of reforms and economic liberalisation in early 90s enabled enterprises and entrepreneurs like him to grow.
"...suddenly you came alive and started to build your career and life without any shackles or control...for me, that would be his most seminal contribution to the Indian economy and India," Mittal said.
Infosys founder Narayana Murthy described Singh as a gentleman, a scholar, and a value-based politician.
"His leading the economic reforms, under the guidance of Narasimha Rao, is what laid a strong and durable foundation for the acceleration of India’s economic growth. Therefore, every Indian should be extremely grateful to this extraordinary individual for enhancing the prosperity of our country," Murthy said. PTI
Manmohan Singh was my friend, philosopher and guide: Sonia Gandhi
Describing former prime minster Manmohan Singh's death as a "personal loss", Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chief Sonia Gandhi on Friday said he was her friend, philosopher and guide and that in his death, the party has lost a leader who was the epitome of wisdom, nobility and humility.
In her message on Singh's demise, Sonia Gandhi said he leaves a void in the national life that can never be filled. "We in the Congress party and the people of India will forever be proud and grateful that we had a leader like Dr Manmohan Singh whose contributions to India's progress and development are immeasurable," she said.
"In Dr Manmohan Singh's passing, we have lost a leader who was the epitome of wisdom, nobility and humility, who served our country with all his heart and mind. A luminous and beloved guiding light for the Congress party, his compassion and vision transformed and empowered the lives of millions of Indians," the former Congress president said.
Singh was loved by the people of India for his pure heart and fine mind, Gandhi said, adding that his advice, "wise counsel" and views were eagerly sought and deeply valued across the political spectrum in the country.
"Respected and admired by leaders and scholars all over the world, he was hailed as a statesman of immense wisdom and stature. Dr Manmohan Singh brought brilliance and distinction to every high office that he held. And he brought pride and honour to India," she said.
"For me, Dr Manmohan Singh's death is a deeply personal loss. He was my friend, philosopher and guide. He was so gentle in his manner but so resolute in his deeply held convictions.
"His commitment to social justice, secularism and democratic values was deep and unwavering. To spend any time with him was to come away enlightened by his knowledge and sagacity, moved by his honesty and integrity, and awed by his genuine humility," Sonia Gandhi said.
Earlier in the day, the CPP chairperson paid homage to Singh at his residence where his mortal remains are kept for people to pay their last respects. She also attended a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting convened to pay tributes to the former prime minister.
CWC resolution on Manmohan Singh's demise
The Congress Working Committee mourns the loss of a true statesman, Dr. Manmohan Singh, whose life and work have profoundly shaped the destiny of India. Dr. Singh was a towering figure in India's political and economic landscape, whose contributions transformed the country and earned him respect worldwide. As Finance Minister in the early 1990s, Dr. Singh was the architect of India's economic liberalization. With unmatched foresight, he initiated a series of reforms that not only saved the nation from a balance-of-payments crisis but also opened the doors to global markets. Through his policies of deregulation, privatization, and the encouragement of foreign investment, he laid the foundation for India’s rapid economic growth. Under his stewardship, India emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, a testament to his brilliance and vision.
As the 13th Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh led the country with a sense of calm determination and exceptional wisdom. His tenure was marked by sustained economic growth, global recognition, and social progress. He steered the nation through the challenges of the global financial crisis in 2008 with strategic measures that shielded India from its worst effects. His leadership saw remarkable initiatives like MGNREGA, Right to Education, the historic Indo-U.S. Civil Nuclear Deal, National Food Security Act, Land Acquisition Act, Agricultural Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme, and the 93rd Constitutional Amendment that advanced social justice for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs through Article 15(5). He also championed the Right to Information (RTI) Act to enhance transparency, the Forest Rights Act to empower tribal communities, and contributed to achieving the highest GDP growth rate during his tenure. Dr. Singh’s dedication to inclusive growth, international diplomacy, and economic modernization strengthened India’s position in the global arena, while simultaneously focusing on the welfare of the common man. His legacy as a compassionate, reformist leader who prioritized stability and development will forever be etched in India’s history.
Beyond his contributions as a politician, Dr. Singh was a respected academician, whose career as an economist helped shape India’s policies and direction. His scholarly work as an economist and his service at institutions like the United Nations and the Reserve Bank of India laid the groundwork for many of the economic reforms he later championed as a policymaker. Dr. Singh’s profound understanding of economics, combined with his dedication to education, inspired countless students, scholars, and policymakers. His academic rigor and intellectual contributions were pivotal in shaping India’s approach to development, and his mentorship has had a lasting impact on the country’s future economists.
Dr. Singh was a man of extraordinary personal qualities. His grace, humility, and dignity set him apart as a leader of rare character. Despite holding the highest offices in the land, he always remained grounded, treating everyone with respect and kindness. His demeanor was calm, composed, and always guided by a deep sense of integrity. He was not only admired for his intellect and accomplishments but also for his unassuming nature, which made him beloved to people across all walks of life. Dr. Singh embodied the very best qualities of a true statesman—compassion, honesty, and a deep commitment to public service. His life was a living example of how grace and humility can coexist with great power.
As we mourn the loss of this extraordinary leader, the Congress Working Committee pledges to honor Dr. Manmohan Singh’s memory and carry forward his enduring legacy. His vision of economic reform, social justice, and inclusive growth will continue to inspire and guide us. The ideals he stood for—integrity, diligence, and compassion—will remain a beacon for future generations. We commit to upholding his values as we work towards building a more prosperous and united India, just as he envisioned. Dr. Singh’s legacy as a leader, an economist, and a humble human being will live on, inspiring all of us to contribute to the continued progress and betterment of our great nation.