In brief
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92, received a full state funeral in Delhi, attended by dignitaries and thousands of mourners. Singh, who served from 2004 to 2014, is celebrated as the architect of India's economic liberalization, impacting millions.
The national mourning for Singh prompted an outpouring of grief, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and various foreign dignitaries in attendance. His funeral procession, adorned with an Indian flag and flowers, took place amid a 21-gun salute, signifying the respect held for Singh's extensive contributions to India's economy and society.Singh's eldest daughter had the poignant duty of lighting his funeral pyre, a touching moment witnessed by leaders and family alike. Modi highlighted Singh's wisdom and humility, noting the former prime minister's relentless efforts to uplift citizens' lives. Similarly, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed that he lost "a mentor and a guide."International tributes flowed in, including a heartfelt message from U.S. President Joe Biden, who recognized Singh’s “strategic vision” and influence on U.S.-India relations. Biden labeled him a “dedicated public servant” and acknowledged Singh’s impact on India’s rapid economic advancement.Manmohan Singh, distinguished as India's first Sikh Prime Minister, is remembered for transformed India’s economic landscape, famously asserting during his budget speech in 1991, “No power on Earth can stop an idea whose time has come.” His pioneering reforms lifted millions from poverty, solidifying India's status as one of the fastest-growing economies worldwide.Singh’s career was not without its controversies, particularly concerning corruption scandals that tainted his second term and later contributed to his party’s significant electoral losses. Nevertheless, he remains a pivotal figure in Indian history, blending economic reform with a compassionate leadership style that endeared him to many.
