New Delhi [India], December 27: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday visited the residence of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Delhi to pay her last respects. During her visit, she expressed heartfelt condolences to his family members.
In her condolence message, President Murmu said, “Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji was one of those rare politicians who balanced academia and administration with equal ease. Throughout his various public roles, he made pivotal contributions to the transformation of India’s economy. He will always be remembered for his unparalleled service to the nation, his unblemished political career, and his immense humility. His passing is a great loss for all of us. I pay my respectful homage to one of the greatest sons of Bharat and extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and admirers.”
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, along with his wife Sudesh Dhankar, also paid their final respects to the former Prime Minister. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi joined in, offering their condolences following the death of Manmohan Singh on Thursday evening at AIIMS, Delhi.
In his tribute, Vice President Dhankar expressed, “I am deeply pained to learn about the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji, former Prime Minister and a distinguished economist who transformed India’s economic landscape. As a Padma Vibhushan awardee and the architect of India’s economic liberalization in 1991, he guided our nation through a crucial phase, opening new pathways for growth and prosperity. I had the privilege of engaging in meaningful, insightful conversations with him, and his profound understanding of the economy, gentle demeanor, and unwavering commitment to India’s progress will forever remain in my memory.”
The mortal remains of Singh, who is credited for the 1991 economic liberalization reforms as Finance Minister, have been kept at his residence, draped in the national flag. He will be cremated near Rajghat, at the site reserved for Prime Ministers’ last rites.
The passing of Manmohan Singh, who died at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions, has prompted an outpouring of grief across the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his tribute, described him as one of India’s most distinguished leaders, expressing sorrow over the loss.
Singh, born on September 26, 1932, had a remarkable career, serving as the 13th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, making him the longest-serving PM after Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. He also served as the Reserve Bank of India governor (1982-1985) and played a key role in India’s economic reforms.
His government introduced landmark initiatives such as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Right to Information Act (RTI), which enhanced transparency between the government and the public.
Having retired from the Rajya Sabha earlier this year after serving for 33 years, Manmohan Singh’s legacy as a statesman and economist will continue to shape India’s future for years to come.