New Delhi, December 26, 2024 – Former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, passed away today at the age of 92. Dr. Singh, an iconic economist and a distinguished statesman, breathed his last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, where he was admitted to the emergency department earlier today, according to sources quoted by news agency PTI.
Dr. Singh had faced multiple health challenges in recent years, including hospitalizations in 2021. In April 2021, he was admitted to AIIMS after testing positive for COVID-19, and later in October that same year, he was treated for fever and general weakness. His health had been a matter of concern for some time, but his passing has left the nation mourning the loss of one of its most revered leaders.
A Legacy of Leadership
Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Dr. Manmohan Singh was a trailblazer in Indian politics and economics. An Oxford and Cambridge alumnus, he held several key positions, including Chief Economic Advisor, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, and Finance Minister. His tenure as Finance Minister in the early 1990s is credited with ushering in economic reforms that transformed India's economy.
Dr. Singh served as the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, leading the country through a decade of economic growth and social transformation. Known for his humility, integrity, and scholarly approach to governance, he was widely respected both in India and on the global stage.
Tributes Pour In
As news of his passing spread, tributes began pouring in from across the political spectrum and around the world. President Droupadi Murmu described Dr. Singh as "a true visionary who dedicated his life to the progress of the nation." Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating, "India has lost an exceptional economist, a statesman, and a leader who served the nation with unparalleled dedication."
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi said, "Dr. Singh was not just a leader of our party but a guide and mentor for all of us. His loss is irreplaceable."
A Nation Mourns
Dr. Singh's contributions to India's development are immeasurable. He played a pivotal role in steering the nation through economic liberalization, forging new global partnerships, and championing social welfare initiatives. Beyond his political career, he will be remembered as a thinker and reformer who believed in inclusive growth and equitable development.
The government has announced a state funeral to honor the former Prime Minister, and a period of national mourning will be observed. Flags across the country will fly at half-mast as a mark of respect.
Dr. Manmohan Singh is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and their three daughters. His loss marks the end of an era in Indian politics, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to the nation's progress.
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