Manmohan Singh’s Funeral Highlights: Former PM cremated with full State honours at Delhi’s Nigambodh Ghat

The White House issued a statement from President Joe Biden mourning the passing of former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. The statement reads: “Jill and I stand with the people of India in grieving the loss of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. In this moment of sorrow, we reaffirm our commitment to the ideals and vision he devoted his life to. Jill and I extend our heartfelt condolences to former First Lady Gursharan Kaur, their three children, and the people of India.”

Ex-PM Manmohan Singh‘s body placed inside Cong headquarters; Kharge, Sonia Gandhi & Rahul Gandhi among first ones to pay respects.

A video has emerged showing the mortal remains of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh being transported to the Congress headquarters, where party leaders will gather to pay their final respects before his last journey begins.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera and other leaders reached the party headquarters ahead of the commencement of Dr Manmohan Singh‘s final journey. 

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau took to X to pay his tribute to former Indian PM Manmohan Singh. Trudeau wrote, “Manmohan Singh’s passing is a loss for India and the world. As one of its longest-serving leaders, he transformed the country’s economy, lifted millions out of poverty, and built strong bridges with the world — including Canada”.

Visuals from the Congress Party office show the arrangement where the mortal remains of the late former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh will be placed at 8:30 am for party workers to offer their final respects. Following this, the last rites will be conducted according to the family’s rituals.

The vehicle carrying the mortal remains of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has arrived outside his residence in Delhi, as reported by ANI.

Funeral march preparations are in full swing at Nigambodh Ghat ahead of the last rites of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. Arrangements are being made for the procession, with security and logistical measures in place to ensure a smooth and respectful ceremony. The area is expected to host dignitaries, foreign officials, and the public as they gather to pay their final respects.

Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory ahead of the funeral of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, scheduled for Saturday, December 28, 2024. The advisory includes traffic restrictions and diversions on key routes in New Delhi, urging the public to avoid specific areas and use public transport to reduce congestion. The affected routes include Raja Ram Kohli Marg, Rajghat Red Light, Signature Bridge, and Yudhister Setu, with restrictions expected on Ring Road, Nishad Raj Marg, Boulevard Road, and others from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. Commuters to Old Delhi Railway Station, ISBT, Red Fort, and other locations are advised to allow extra time for potential delays. Roadside parking should be avoided to prevent disruptions.

The last rites of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will take place on Saturday at Nigambodh Ghat in New Delhi with full State honours. Leaders and citizens paid tribute to Singh at his residence following his passing on Thursday.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to conduct Singh’s funeral at a location suitable for building a memorial, honoring the late leader’s stature and following the tradition of former prime ministers’ memorials being built at their funeral sites. The government has communicated its decision regarding Singh’s funeral arrangements.

The Union Home Ministry announced on Friday that space will be allocated for a memorial dedicated to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. This decision, communicated to Singh’s family and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, followed a request from the Congress party.

Singh, who served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 and was instrumental in implementing economic reforms, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. The Congress criticized delays in determining the cremation and memorial location, calling it an insult to the country’s first Sikh Prime Minister. Singh’s last rites are scheduled for Saturday at New Delhi’s Nigambodh Ghat with full state honors.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh‘s final journey will commence from the All India Congress Committee headquarters to the cremation ground at 9.30 am on Saturday, party general secretary KC Venugopal said.

Singh’s mortal remains will be kept at his residence 3, Motilal Nehru Road on Friday for public to offer their tributes, Venugopal said.

“At 8 am tomorrow, December 28, his mortal remains will be taken to the AICC headquarters where the public and Congress workers will have the opportunity to offer their tributes between 8.30 am and 9.30 am,” Venugopal said.

“Dr Singh’s final journey to the heavenly abode will commence from the AICC HQ to the cremation ground at 9.30 am tomorrow,” he said.

I have always regarded him first as an economist,” says Dr Y V Reddy, veteran banker, economist and the former governor of the Reserve Bank of India.

Dr Y V Reddy refers to Dr Manmohan Singh always as Professor.

Reason: “I have always regarded him first as an economist,” says the former governor of the Reserve Bank of India, who has known Professor Singh since 1978.” That is a good 46 years!

“Professor Manmohan singh’s career has been exceptional and extraordinarily consequential. What is less well known is he as a person. Professor Manmohan Singh was soft-spoken and scholarly. He was an extremely hard worker and whatever his stress he always kept his cool. He encouraged others to brief him and valued those briefings. However late he slept, by morning he always turned up at work, fresh. In 1991, India was fortunate that he became finance minister since he was closely involved with the policies in the past and was best equipped to appreciate what had been done in managing to survive the Asian crisis. He had the knowledge and experience to carry forward on the path to restore confidence, provide appropriate credibility to what was done, and above all, bring about a paradigm shift in the public discourse on development economics. In his tenure, India’s path to liberalization was firmly set. He was required to evolve a new framework that should govern our policies. For this, he built a team he could trust. I was fortunate to be on his team. He was also a deeply empathetic person. When I called upon him on my appointment as governor of the RBI, he, having been a former RBI Governor, said, ‘ the governors job is perhaps the loneliest job in the country.’ he was very right. As Prime Minister, he gave me free access to meet him and invariably, listened with full attention and respect. As many would agree, he will be remembered in history as a legend of Indian economic policy and statecraft,” Mr Reddy said.

Manmohan Singh‘s final journey to commence from AICC HQ to cremation ground at 9.30 am Saturday, says Congress general secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal.

Former President Ramnath Kovind expressed his deep sorrow on the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, describing him as the “architect” of the Indian economy. In a heartfelt tribute shared through a self-recorded video, Kovind stated.”

The passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh is not just a setback for the nation but also a personal loss for me. I have known him for so long… He was an example of politeness… I believe he was an architect of the Indian economy.”

Kovind paid his respects to Singh, acknowledging his profound impact on India’s economic growth and development.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday expressed deep sorrow over the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Describing Singh as “the most respected man,” Siddaramaiah highlighted his integrity, simplicity, and monumental contributions to India’s economy.

“Singh, regarded as the architect of India’s economic reforms, died in New Delhi on Thursday night. Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Siddaramaiah remarked, “Singh’s life, in a way, is a miracle. Born in a small village in present-day Pakistan, he rose to become one of the world’s most renowned economists,” Siddaramaiah said.

owledging Singh’s enduring legacy, the Chief Minister added, “His life and work towards shaping the country’s economy are an inspiration to all of us.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh‘s demise a profound loss to the nation. He praised Singh’s journey from a humble background to holding key positions of power, highlighting his honesty and simplicity. Modi hailed Singh as a distinguished parliamentarian whose contributions to India‘s development and commitment to reforms remain unforgettable. He emphasized that Singh’s life exemplifies how perseverance can overcome adversity, inspiring future generations. Remembering him as a visionary leader dedicated to the nation’s progress, Modi acknowledged his enduring legacy as a guide for aspiring leaders and a testament to resilience and integrity.

Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, expressed deep sorrow at the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, stating that India has lost one of its greatest leaders and most esteemed economists. Reflecting on Singh’s legacy, Birla highlighted his intellect, wisdom, and humility, which served as exemplary qualities throughout his long public life, leaving a lasting impression on the nation’s collective memory. “India has lost one of its tallest leaders and finest economists. His most defining contribution — the epochal 91 reforms spurred a multi-decadal economic boom and more importantly reshaped the calculus of possibilities for India and Indians,” Birla said in a statement.

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) has expressed profound sadness over the passing of Manmohan Singh, India’s 13th Prime Minister, honoring him as a transformative leader who significantly shaped India’s economic trajectory and bolstered US-India relations. In a statement, the USISPF Board hailed Singh as “a scholar, statesman extraordinaire, and a venerated leader,” who dedicated his life to serving the Indian people. Singh’s impact on India’s economic growth was immense, particularly during his tenure as Finance Minister under Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao in 1991. Together, they introduced bold reforms that liberalized India’s economy, facilitating foreign investments and setting the stage for rapid economic expansion and global integration.

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“As a mark of respect to Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who passed away last night, Govt of Assam will be observing a 7-Day State Mourning from 26 Dec 2024 to 1 Jan 2025. The National Flag will fly at half mast in all Govt buildings and all official entertainment programmes stand cancelled,” says Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma: Chief Minister’s Office

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his final respects to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at his residence in Delhi. He also extended his condolences to Singh’s family following his passing. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Health Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda, along with Congress leaders such as KC Venugopal, were present at the residence to honor Singh’s memory.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was paid his last respects by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his Delhi residence on Friday. Modi also expressed his sympathies to Singh’s family in light of his demise.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra paid tribute to the late Manmohan Singh on Friday, acknowledging his lasting impact as the architect of India‘s economic reforms. Singh, who held the positions of former prime minister and finance minister, also served as the RBI governor from 1982 to 1985. “I am deeply saddened on the passing away of former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, a visionary economist and former RBI Governor. His contributions as the architect of India’s economic reforms have left an indelible mark. @RBI joins the nation in mourning this huge,” Malhotra said in a post on X.

Former deputy NSA and close aide to Manmohan Singh, Pankaj Saran, revealed that during his tenure as prime minister, Singh “tried very hard” to establish “some kind of peace” with Pakistan, but his efforts were unsuccessful.

“Among the neighbours, he tried very hard to establish some kind of peace with Pakistan but it didn’t work. But he tried and he was very disappointed that his efforts did not succeed. In fact, they were rebuffed with the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008 when he was prime minister, and that really shook him up very badly,” he recalled.

Arun, who had the privilege of serving as Singh’s close protection officer for nearly three years while assigned to the Special Protection Group (SPG), offered a personal glimpse into the former prime minister’s character, emphasising his modest lifestyle and affinity for the everyday person. Arun highlighted Singh’s simplicity—his attachment to his personal Maruti Suzuki 800. Despite having access to a fleet of high-security vehicles, including a BMW for official duties, Singh consistently preferred the modest car. Arun remembered Singh telling him, “Asim, I don’t like travelling in this car (BMW). My car is the Maruti.” Even when surrounded by the high-tech BMW, Singh’s attention always gravitated back to his Maruti Suzuki 800 as his motorcade passed it by.

Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions, as confirmed by AIIMS. Born in Punjab in 1932, Manmohan Singh served two terms as Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, after Congress won the 2004 Lok Sabha election. He was succeeded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014.

Union Minister of State Nityanand Rai described the loss as “tragic” and expressed his condolences, saying, “The news of the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh is extremely sad. I pray to God to grant peace to his soul and give strength to the bereaved family to bear this immense loss.”

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal offered his condolences, noting that Singh’s passing creates a void in the political sphere. “Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh ji embodied the spirit of humility, scholarship and played a key role in India‘s economic resurgence in a difficult period. His policies for the welfare of the people were far-reaching and he remains a significant figure in the nation’s public life. His passing away leaves a void in our political sphere and I offer my deepest condolences to his family and well-wishers. May his soul find eternal peace. Om Shanti,” he wrote.

Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh is widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic transformation. Serving as Finance Minister during the 1991 economic crisis, he played a pivotal role in implementing a series of bold economic reforms that shifted India from a closed, socialist-style economy to a more liberalized, market-oriented one. Singh’s policies, including the liberalization of trade, devaluation of the rupee, and deregulation of industries, set the stage for India’s rapid economic growth in the following decades. His tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 continued this trajectory, with a focus on inclusive growth, financial stability, and poverty reduction. Under his leadership, India witnessed significant strides in sectors like IT, infrastructure, and foreign investments, which helped elevate the country’s global economic standing. His economic achievements, characterized by a vision for long-term growth, continue to shape India’s development narrative.