In brief
India's ex-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, a pivotal figure in the nation’s economic transformation, passed away at 92 and was honored with a grand state funeral attended by leaders and dignitaries.
India has come together in mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away at 92. The state funeral held in Delhi highlighted Singh's monumental contributions to the country's economic landscape during his leadership from 2004 to 2014.Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among the attendees at Saturday’s ceremony, praised Singh as one of the nation's "most distinguished leaders." The funeral procession saw a steady stream of mourners lining the streets as Singh's coffin—adorned with flowers and draped in the Indian flag—was transported to the cremation grounds, escorted by an honor guard. Notable figures in attendance included President Droupadi Murmu and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, as well as dignitaries from abroad, such as King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan and Mauritius's Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful. The ceremony was marked by a 21-gun salute in remembrance of Singh's legacy.Following his death on Thursday, the Indian government declared a week of national mourning. In a heartfelt message, Modi reflected on Singh's "wisdom and humility," asserting that he had endeavored significantly to improve the lives of the Indian populace. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his sorrow over the loss, referring to Singh as "a mentor and a guide." U.S. President Joe Biden also paid his respects, acknowledging Singh's role in establishing a robust partnership between India and the United States, describing him as a true statesman and dedicated public servant.Singh’s significant political career included being a key architect of economic reforms that reshaped India's trajectory, famously declaring that "No power on Earth can stop an idea whose time has come" during his 1991 budget speech. While remembered fondly for his contributions, his later years in office faced challenges, including corruption scandals that contributed to the defeat of the Congress party in the 2014 elections.Singh's tenure remains a defining period in modern Indian history, and his legacy as the first Sikh Prime Minister will be forever etched in the nation's collective memory.
