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

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also mourned his passing, remembering Singh for his simplicity, humility, and probity. He posted, “Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh ji was an embodiment of simplicity, humility and probity. He was among those rarest breed of politicians who served the country with distinction in several capacities. A scholar and a statesman, his policies left a long-standing impact on India‘s developmental landscape. Saddened by his demise. Sincere condolences to his family in this hour of grief.”

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu described Singh’s death as a significant loss to the nation. He wrote, “Deeply saddened by former Prime Minister and renowned economist, Shri Manmohan Singh Ji’s demise. An intellectual statesman, Dr Singh embodied humility, wisdom, and integrity. From his economic reforms in 1991 as Finance Minister to his leadership as Prime Minister, he served the nation tirelessly and uplifted millions. His passing is a great loss to the nation. My heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones and admirers.”

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also shared his sorrow, saying, “Saddened by the loss of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh Ji. His leadership, humility, and dedication will always be remembered. Om Shanti.”

Former army chief General VK Singh expressed his condolences, stating, “India mourns the loss of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, a visionary leader and celebrated economist who shaped the nation’s economic reforms. His legacy will live on in India’s history. Our heartfelt condolences to his family. Om Shanti.”

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Expressing his condolences over Singh’s death, former President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai wrote on X that India has lost one of its most distinguished figures, referring to him as an “unwavering ally and friend” to the people of Afghanistan. “India has lost one of its most illustrious sons. #dr_manmohan_singh was an unwavering ally and friend to the people of #afghanistan. I profoundly mourn his passing and extend my deepest condolences to his family, the government, and the people of India. May his soul find eternal peace”, Karzai said on X.

Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed described Singh as a “benevolent father figure” and a close friend of the Maldives. “So sad to hear Manmohan Singh has passed. I always found him a delight to work with, and like a benevolent father figure. He was a good friend of the Maldives”, he posted on X.

On Thursday, the Congress party cancelled all official programs to pay tribute to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal stated that party activities will resume on January 3, 2025. The Union government has declared a seven-day mourning period in honor of Singh, as confirmed by officials. The Cabinet will meet at 11 a.m. on Friday to pay respects to the “architect of India‘s economic reforms.” KC Venugopal also announced that Dr. Manmohan Singh’s last rites will take place in New Delhi on Saturday.

Expressing grief on Dr Singh’s death, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken posted on X, “The United States offers our sincere condolences to the people of India for the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. Dr. Singh was one of the greatest champions of the U.S.-India strategic partnership, and his work laid the foundation for much of what our countries have accomplished together in the past two decades. His leadership in advancing the U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement signified a major investment in the potential of the U.S.-India relationship.  At home, Dr. Singh will be remembered for his economic reforms that spurred India’s rapid economic growth.”

“We mourn Dr. Singh’s passing and will always remember his dedication to bringing the United States and India closer together”, he further added.

The Union Home Ministry has announced a seven-day period of state mourning across the country in honor of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away last night. During this time, the national flag will be flown at half-mast throughout India. In a directive sent to the chief secretaries of all states and union territories on Thursday, the ministry confirmed that Singh will be given a state funeral, and no official entertainment will take place during the mourning period.

The Union Home Ministry has stated that a seven-day state mourning all over India as a mark of respect for former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh who departed on Thursday night. During this time, the national flag will be flown at half-mast all over the country.

All the secretaries of all states and union territories were communicated by the ministry that Dr Singh would be given a state funeral. Moreover, there will be no official entertainment observed during the mourning period.

Dr. Manmohan Singh, considered the architect of India’s economic reforms, also preferred environmental conservation and climate initiatives during his term as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014. Under his leadership, the National Plan on Climate Change aimed to tackle climate change issues by adopting various strategies.

Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s mortal remain was brought to his residence late Thursday night from AIIMS. His body will be kept at his residence to allow the public to pay their last homage. Before being transported, Dr Singh’s body was preserved by doctors at the hospital.

The Indian cricket team wore black armbands on the second day of the fourth Test against Australia as a mark of respect to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan who passed away in Delhi.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BBCI) stated, ‘’The Indian team is wearing black armbands as a mark of respect in the memory of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh, who passed away.’’

Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh will be accorded a state funeral. His mortal remains will be kept at the AICC headquarters in Delhi on Friday for the public to pay their respects, Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal informed the media. Singh, 92, passed away on Thursday, December 26, at AIIMS in New Delhi. He served two terms as Prime Minister between 2004 and 2014, taking over from the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee and succeeded by current PM Narendra Modi.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi visited the residence of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Thursday night to pay their homage on Thursday night. Dr Manmohan Singh, who served for two terms from 2004-2014 died at AIIMS in New Delhi.

Senior Congress leader and former UPA minister P Chidambaram expressed his condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, praising his contributions to India’s growth. Reflecting on Singh’s life and legacy, Chidambaram described the period from 1991 to 2014 as a “golden chapter” in India’s history.

“His story remains untold, and his achievements are not fully recorded. I believe that, in time, the true significance of Dr. Singh’s 23 years in active politics will become clearer,” Chidambaram stated.

Singh, renowned for spearheading India’s economic reforms, passed away at the age of 92 on Thursday night. He had been admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, in a critical condition earlier that evening.

In his tribute, Chidambaram spoke emotionally about his time working with Singh, highlighting his humility, dedication, and lack of personal ambition. “Dr. Singh’s life and work from 1991 to 2014 will be remembered as a golden chapter in India’s history. I had the privilege of working closely with him for many years and never met a person more humble and self-effacing,” he shared on X.

Chidambaram acknowledged Singh’s significant role in shaping India’s modern middle class, stating that the present-day middle class owes much to the policies Singh introduced as finance minister and later as prime minister. He also praised Singh’s empathy for the poor, citing policies like MGNREGA, the restructuring of the Public Distribution System (PDS), and the expansion of the midday meal scheme as examples of Singh’s commitment to improving the lives of India’s disadvantaged.

Comedian Kapil Sharma paid tribute to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92 on Thursday.

Taking to X, Kapil shared a throwback picture from a meeting with the late leader, remembering him as India’s “finest leader.” Alongside the image, he wrote, “India has lost one of its finest leaders today. Dr. Manmohan Singh, the architect of India’s economic reforms and a symbol of integrity and humility, leaves behind a legacy of progress and hope. His wisdom, dedication, and vision transformed our nation. Rest in peace, Dr. Singh. Your contributions will never be forgotten.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences, describing Singh as “one of the most distinguished leaders.” In a post on X, PM Modi reflected on their interactions during Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister, noting his wisdom and humility. “India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he became a respected economist and made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and admirers,” he wrote.

Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night due to age-related health conditions, AIIMS confirmed. Born in Punjab in 1932, Singh served as Prime Minister of India for two terms, from 2004 to 2014, spearheading India’s economic transformation.

His tenure saw significant policy reforms, earning him the title of the architect of modern India’s economic policies. Singh retired from Rajya Sabha earlier this year after serving for 33 years. His passing marks the end of an era in Indian politics.

Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed their grief over the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away at AIIMS Delhi on Thursday night at the age of 92.

Governor Arlekar shared his condolences on X, saying, “The news of the demise of former PM Manmohan Singh is extremely sad. He will always be remembered for his simplicity, honesty, and excellent economic policies. May God grant him a place at His feet. Deep condolences to the bereaved family. Om Shanti.”

Chief Minister Kumar also mourned the loss, calling it an irreparable setback to Indian politics. “The demise of former PM Manmohan Singh Ji is sad. He was a skilled politician and economist. Under his leadership, India‘s economy took a new direction. We pray to God for eternal peace of the departed soul,” he wrote on X.

President Droupadi Murmu expressed her deep condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, describing him as “one of the greatest sons of Bharat” and a key figure in India‘s economic transformation.

In a heartfelt message shared on X, President Murmu highlighted Singh’s unparalleled contributions to the nation. “His passing is a great loss to all of us. I pay my respectful homage to one of the greatest sons of Bharat and convey my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and admirers,” she wrote.

The President praised Singh’s ability to bridge politics, academia, and administration seamlessly, acknowledging his critical role in shaping modern India. “Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji was one of those rare politicians who straddled academia and governance with equal ease. His service to the nation, unblemished political life, and utmost humility will always be remembered,” she added.

Surjit Singh Kohli, the half-brother of Dr. Manmohan Singh, expressed his grief upon learning of the former Prime Minister’s demise and said he was en route to Delhi.

Speaking to PTI over the phone, Kohli revealed that he had just received the news. Earlier in the evening, before Dr. Singh’s passing, Kohli had shared concerns about his brother’s health, describing his condition as “critical.”

Dr. Manmohan Singh, aged 92, passed away on Thursday night at AIIMS Delhi. He was admitted to the emergency department after a “sudden loss of consciousness,” hospital authorities confirmed.

Sources confirm that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be accorded a state funeral. His mortal remains are set to be transported from the hospital to his residence within the next two hours.

The Congress has called off its “Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan Rally” scheduled for tomorrow in Belgaum, Karnataka.

Instead, @INCKarnataka will hold a condolence meeting to honor the memory of Dr. Manmohan Singh, Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala announced on X.

I am deeply saddened by the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ji. My brief meeting with him at his residence left a lasting impression of his humility, grace, and dignity, despite his many achievements and tenure.

For someone like me, born in the 90s, witnessing India open up to the world was a transformative experience. It felt like each day brought the world closer to home, all thanks to him. He played a key role in shaping modern India and putting our nation on the global stage.

As he once said amidst all the unfounded criticism, “history would be kinder.” We, as Indians, believe that history and the present will always honor his legacy as a statesman.

True gentlemen like him are rare in politics, and even rarer when they reach the pinnacle of national leadership.

May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.

Few politicians inspire the level of respect that Sardar Manmohan Singh ji did. His unwavering honesty remains an enduring source of inspiration. He will always stand tall among those who truly love this country, as someone who remained committed to serving the nation, despite enduring unfair and deeply personal attacks from his opponents.

A man of great wisdom, strength, and courage, he was genuinely egalitarian until the end. In the often turbulent world of politics, he remained uniquely dignified and gentle, embodying values that continue to inspire us all.

Manmohan Singh Ji led India with immense wisdom and integrity. His humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the nation. My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Kaur and the family. I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride.

India mourns the loss of Dr. Manmohan Singh, one of its most distinguished leaders. From humble beginnings, he rose to prominence as a respected economist. Throughout his career, Singh held various key government positions, including Finance Minister, where he made a lasting impact on the country’s economic policies. His insightful contributions in Parliament further demonstrated his expertise. As Prime Minister, Dr. Singh worked tirelessly to enhance the lives of the people, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service.