Singh's impact on India's economy and national unity remembered at funeral
India Honors Legacy of Manmohan Singh with State Funeral
India Honors Legacy of Manmohan Singh with State Funeral
Nation pays tribute to ex-PM and economic visionary
India mourned the loss of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with a full state funeral held in Delhi. Singh, who served from 2004 to 2014, passed away at the age of 92 and is remembered as a transformative leader who was instrumental in shaping India's economic liberalisation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the ceremony, praising Singh as one of the country's "most distinguished leaders."
Mourners lined the streets of the capital city as Singh's coffin, adorned with flowers and the Indian flag, was escorted by a military honor guard to the cremation grounds. Singh's eldest daughter lit his funeral pyre, surrounded by high-ranking officials, including President Droupadi Murmu and Opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who called Singh a "mentor and a guide." Foreign dignitaries, including the King of Bhutan and the Foreign Minister of Mauritius, also paid their respects.
In a tribute, PM Modi reflected on Singh's "wisdom and humility" during their interactions. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his condolences, noting that the level of cooperation between the U.S. and India would not have been achievable without Singh's "strategic vision and political courage."
Manmohan Singh made significant contributions to India's economic landscape, particularly during his tenure as finance minister in 1991, leading to a period of significant growth and development that lifted millions out of poverty. Apart from economic reform, he openly addressed issues of national reconciliation, famously apologizing for the atrocities of the 1984 riots.
Despite his accomplishments, Singh's legacy also includes challenges such as corruption allegations that affected his party's performance in the 2014 elections. Nevertheless, his role in India's progress and unity remains a focal point in commemorations of his life and leadership.
Mourners lined the streets of the capital city as Singh's coffin, adorned with flowers and the Indian flag, was escorted by a military honor guard to the cremation grounds. Singh's eldest daughter lit his funeral pyre, surrounded by high-ranking officials, including President Droupadi Murmu and Opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who called Singh a "mentor and a guide." Foreign dignitaries, including the King of Bhutan and the Foreign Minister of Mauritius, also paid their respects.
In a tribute, PM Modi reflected on Singh's "wisdom and humility" during their interactions. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his condolences, noting that the level of cooperation between the U.S. and India would not have been achievable without Singh's "strategic vision and political courage."
Manmohan Singh made significant contributions to India's economic landscape, particularly during his tenure as finance minister in 1991, leading to a period of significant growth and development that lifted millions out of poverty. Apart from economic reform, he openly addressed issues of national reconciliation, famously apologizing for the atrocities of the 1984 riots.
Despite his accomplishments, Singh's legacy also includes challenges such as corruption allegations that affected his party's performance in the 2014 elections. Nevertheless, his role in India's progress and unity remains a focal point in commemorations of his life and leadership.
