IT News
New Delhi/ Imphal, Dec 27:
The Government of India has declared a seven-day national mourning period from December 26, 2024, to January 1, 2025, following the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. The two-term leader, widely regarded as an economic visionary, passed away at the age of 92 at AIIMS Delhi on Thursday night due to age-related health complications.
In a statement, the government announced, “The National Flag will fly at half-mast across India and Indian Missions abroad during the mourning period, and no official entertainment will be held. A state funeral will be accorded to Dr. Manmohan Singh.”
The Union Cabinet is set to meet to express condolences, and all central government programs scheduled for Friday have been canceled. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, reflecting the widespread respect for Singh’s leadership and contributions.
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, top Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chiefs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and Chief Ministers from various states expressed grief over Singh’s passing. Prime Minister Modi described Singh as “a transformative leader whose vision steered India through a crucial phase of economic development.”
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh also expressed profound sorrow, stating on social media, “Dr. Manmohan Singh was a visionary leader who left an indelible mark on our nation. My heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul rest in eternal peace.” State Congress President Keisham Meghachandra highlighted Singh’s contributions to modernizing Manipur during his tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014.
Dr. Manmohan Singh served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, after a distinguished career as an economist and policymaker. Credited with liberalizing India’s economy as Finance Minister in 1991, Singh played a pivotal role in transforming the nation’s financial framework.
At a time when India faced severe fiscal and balance of payments crises, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s bold economic reforms, introduced through the Union Budget of 1991-92, marked a turning point. He dismantled the license raj, opened key sectors to foreign investment, and initiated policies that stabilized the economy and accelerated growth.
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister saw India emerge as a global economic player while addressing critical social challenges through flagship initiatives like the National Rural Health Mission and the Right to Education Act.
Dr. Manmohan Singh is survived by his wife, Gurcharan Kaur, and three daughters. The state funeral will be held in New Delhi, with the National Flag flying at half-mast across India and in Indian embassies worldwide.
As the nation mourns his loss, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s legacy as a statesman, economist, and reformer continues to inspire future generations.
