Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away at 92, was honored with a cremation in New Delhi, marked by military tributes and a procession of mourners. Singh, recognized for his transformative economic policies that propelled India into the global arena, served as Finance Minister in 1991 and later became the first Sikh Prime Minister in 2004. His leadership saw significant economic growth and a pivotal nuclear agreement with the U.S., despite challenges during his second term. A national mourning period has been declared in his memory.
Tributes Pour In for Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
Just two days ago, the nation bid farewell to former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92. His cremation took place in New Delhi, honoring a leader who governed the country for a decade. Singh is best remembered for his pivotal economic reforms that positioned India on the global stage.
Singh was laid to rest with full military honors, his coffin draped in flower garlands. An honor guard initially accompanied the coffin to the headquarters of Singh’s Congress party, where party leaders and supporters gathered to pay their last respects.
The procession through the city was marked by drumming soldiers and an outpouring of mourners. At the crematorium, amidst religious hymns, Singh’s body was placed on a pyre after a final salute.
A Legacy of Economic Transformation
Born in 1932 in a modest village in what is now Pakistan, Singh pursued his education in economics at renowned institutions like Cambridge and Oxford. His goal was clear: to combat poverty in India. His career included various leadership roles in public service and international organizations, including the United Nations.
Singh’s significant political journey began in 1991 when he was appointed as India’s Finance Minister. Here, he initiated landmark reforms that transitioned India’s economy from a socialist framework to a more capitalist model, setting the stage for rapid growth.
After leading the Congress party to victory in 2004, Singh became the first Sikh Prime Minister of India. Under his leadership, the country experienced an economic boom, achieving a remarkable nine percent growth rate. His tenure also saw the signing of a crucial nuclear agreement with the United States to address India’s energy needs.
Despite these achievements, Singh’s second term faced challenges, including economic slowdowns and corruption scandals that marred his reputation as ‘Mr. Clean.’ In 2014, he chose not to seek re-election, as his party faced a significant defeat to Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party.
Following Singh’s passing, a seven-day national mourning period has been declared across India, with the national flag at half-mast at government buildings. US President Joe Biden praised Singh as a ‘true statesman,’ acknowledging his contributions to strengthening ties between nations and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.