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India Mourns the Loss of Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at 92, Key Updates

Dr. Manmohan Singh

Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India and the architect of the country’s economic reforms, passed away on Thursday at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, at the age of 92. The Congress stalwart and renowned economist had been battling age-related medical issues. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he was declared dead at 9:51 PM.

A Nation in Mourning

The Government of India has declared seven days of national mourning to honor Dr. Singh’s immense contributions to the nation. All official government events have been canceled, and the former Prime Minister will be accorded a state funeral. His body has been moved to his residence at 3, Motilal Nehru Road, in Delhi, where political leaders and admirers from across the country have gathered to pay their respects.

Tributes from Across the Nation and Beyond

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Dr. Singh as one of India’s “most distinguished leaders” and acknowledged his enduring impact on the nation.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi referred to him as a “mentor and guide.” Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar lauded his intellectual contributions, calling him a “towering intellect and a statesman par excellence.”

Former U.S. President Barack Obama, in his memoir A Promised Land, had praised Dr. Singh’s leadership, noting his "uncommon wisdom" and "dedication to lifting millions of Indians out of poverty."

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized Dr. Singh’s role in reshaping India’s foreign policy alongside his economic reforms.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and several senior Congress leaders canceled all party programs, including foundation day celebrations, as a mark of respect.

Former Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram called the period of Dr. Singh’s leadership “a golden chapter in India’s history,” crediting him for shaping the modern Indian middle class.

A Legacy of Economic and Social Reforms

Dr. Singh served as India’s Prime Minister for two terms, from 2004 to 2014, under the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. Before that, he was the Finance Minister in P.V. Narasimha Rao’s government in 1991, where his groundbreaking reforms saved India from an economic crisis.

His policies of liberalization, privatization, and globalization transformed India’s economy, making it one of the fastest-growing in the world.

Beyond economics, Dr. Singh championed landmark initiatives like:

The Right to Education Act (2010): Ensured free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14.

National Food Security Act (2013): Provided affordable food grains to over two-thirds of the population.

MGNREGA (2005): Guaranteed 100 days of wage employment annually to rural households, empowering women and reducing poverty.

Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Revolutionized subsidy delivery by directly transferring benefits to beneficiaries, reducing corruption.

His tenure also witnessed the signing of the historic India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008, which bolstered India’s energy security and international standing.

Humility, Wit, and Wisdom

Known for his quiet demeanor and intellectual prowess, Dr. Singh often used poetry to deliver sharp political retorts. His exchanges with leaders like Sushma Swaraj in Parliament became legendary, reflecting a time when political debates were marked by humor and grace.

Dr. Singh’s colleagues and adversaries alike admired his humility and unwavering integrity. He seamlessly balanced his roles as an economist, administrator, and politician, leaving behind a legacy that inspired generations.

Security and Preparations

Delhi Police has heightened security around AIIMS and Dr. Singh’s residence, with senior officers overseeing arrangements as dignitaries arrive to pay homage.

The Final Goodbye

Dr. Singh’s last rites will be performed with full state honors on Friday. His passing marks the end of an era for Indian politics and governance. As India mourns, it also celebrates the life of a leader whose vision, intellect, and humility shaped the nation’s path to progress. His contributions to India’s economic and social fabric will remain etched in history forever.

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