The nation mourned as former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was cremated with full state honors at Nigambodh Ghat in New Delhi.
Known as the architect of India’s economic reforms, Manmohan Singh’s final rites were performed on Saturday afternoon, with his daughter lighting the funeral pyre. The solemn ceremony was attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and senior Congress leaders.
The day began at the AICC headquarters, where Congress leaders gathered to pay their final respects before the funeral procession moved to the crematorium.
The vehicle adorned with flowers, bearing the body of Manmohan Singh, departed from the Congress headquarters in a somber procession, as supporters raised chants of “Manmohan Singh Amar Rahe.”
Manmohan Singh’s Final Journey: Key Highlights
The funeral of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was conducted following Sikh traditions. Priests recited sacred hymns as his body, draped in the Indian tricolor, was transported through the city in a floral-adorned carriage pulled by a ceremonial military vehicle.
Before cremation, the national flag was respectfully removed, and his body was wrapped in a saffron cloth as per custom.
Early in the morning, Singh’s remains were taken from his residence at 3 Motilal Nehru Road to the AICC headquarters, reaching there just before 9 a.m.
The late Manmohan Singh’s mortal remains were placed at the AICC headquarters for about an hour, allowing prominent Congress figures such as Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi to pay their respects.
Gursharan Kaur, Singh’s wife, along with one of their children, also offered a wreath and bid him a final farewell.
Among the top leaders who honored the former prime minister were Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and Opposition leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.
Additionally, General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, alongside the chiefs of the three armed forces, paid homage to the late leader.
Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the driving force behind India’s economic liberalization, served as the nation’s prime minister for a decade, from 2004 to 2014.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who honored Manmohan Singh as one of India’s “most eminent leaders” following his demise, attended the funeral alongside President Droupadi Murmu and international dignitaries. The government has also announced plans to allocate land for Singh’s memorial.
Leaders from around the world, including the United States, Canada, France, Sri Lanka, China, and Pakistan, expressed their sincere condolences, recognizing Singh’s outstanding impact on the global stage.
Dr. Manmohan Singh, aged 92, passed away on Thursday night at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi following age-related health issues.
Singh, who served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, leaves behind a legacy of a decade-long leadership.
In his memory, the Union Home Ministry declared a seven-day national mourning period, during which the national flag will be flown at half-mast across the nation.
