Manmohan Singh’s last rites: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was cremated with full state honours on Saturday at Nigambodh Ghat in New Delhi. His eldest daughter, Upinder Singh, lit the funeral pyre amidst the chanting of Sikh religious hymns. The ceremony was attended by top dignitaries from India and abroad, paying their respects to the revered leader who passed away at the age of 92 on December 26.
Leaders Across Political and Global Arenas Attend
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes alongside Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi. International dignitaries, including Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful, joined the ceremony to honour the statesman who served as India’s prime minister from 2004 to 2014.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and military chiefs were also present. Chief ministers and former CMs from various states, such as Siddaramaiah (Karnataka) and Ashok Gehlot (Rajasthan), attended the solemn occasion alongside Congress stalwarts like Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Jairam Ramesh.
21-Gun Salute and Gurbani Recitation
Before the cremation, Singh was accorded a 21-gun salute. Sikh priests recited verses from the Gurbani, adding a spiritual dimension to the farewell. The ceremony underscored the late leader’s significant contributions to the nation and his enduring legacy.
Manmohan Singh’s final journey began at the Congress headquarters, where party leaders, workers, and well-wishers paid their last respects. Draped in the Tricolour, his flower-adorned casket was transported to Nigambodh Ghat, accompanied by chants of “Manmohan Singh Amar Rahe” and “Jab tak suraj chand rahega, tab tak tera naam rahega.”
Congress workers called for conferring Singh with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, during the procession.
Row Over Memorial
A controversy emerged regarding a memorial for Singh, with the Congress demanding that his last rites be performed at a location suitable for a future memorial. The BJP-led government assured that a fitting site would be allocated soon.
Known as the architect of India’s economic liberalisation, Singh’s decade-long tenure as prime minister marked a period of significant transformation. His calm demeanour and expertise in economic policy earned him respect across political lines.
A seven-day national mourning has been declared, with the national flag flown at half-mast across the country. This tribute reflects the deep respect India holds for its former leader.
Manmohan Singh’s contributions to the nation’s progress and his vision for inclusive development will be remembered for generations to come.
(With agency inputs)