Key Highlights:
- State Funeral: Dr. Manmohan Singh, India’s former Prime Minister and renowned economist, was cremated with full state honors at Delhi’s Nigambodh Ghat.
- National Tribute: President Draupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other dignitaries from across the political spectrum paid their respects.
- Sikh Customs Observed: The cremation ceremony was conducted as per Sikh traditions, with his eldest daughter, Upinder Singh, lighting the pyre.
- Emotional Farewell: Slogans like “Manmohan Singh Bharat Maa Ka Lal” and “Dr. Manmohan Singh Amar Rahe” echoed as the nation mourned.
- Historic Legacy: Leaders hailed his humility, guidance, and contributions, ensuring his legacy will remain etched in the annals of history.
New Delhi: New Delhi witnessed a solemn day as India bid farewell to one of its most respected leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92. Cremated with full state honors at Nigambodh Ghat, his mortal remains were wrapped in the tricolor, symbolizing his lifelong service to the nation.
Dignitaries Unite in Mourning
The funeral brought together leaders from all walks of life, reflecting Dr. Singh’s widespread impact. Among those present were President Draupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and numerous central ministers.
President Murmu, as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, offered a final salute to the former Prime Minister. Officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force led the procession with a military band, paying tribute to Dr. Singh’s contributions to the nation.
A Farewell in Accordance with Sikh Traditions
The cremation was conducted as per Sikh customs, with Dr. Singh’s wife Gursharan Kaur and daughters—Upinder, Daman, and Amrit Singh present. His eldest daughter, Upinder Singh, performed the last rites, lighting the funeral pyre.
As the ceremony unfolded, the grounds echoed with slogans honoring the departed leader:
- “Manmohan Singh Bharat Maa Ka Lal.”
- “Jab Tak Suraj Chand Rahega, Manmohan Singh Ka Naam Rahega.”
A Leader Remembered for His Humility and Vision
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi described Dr. Singh as a guiding light, whose humility and contributions to the nation will be remembered forever. “His leadership and vision will live on in the pages of history,” he said.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, while offering a final salute, stated, “Dr. Manmohan Singh was a true son of India, whose leadership transformed the nation.”
A Journey of Reverence
Dr. Singh’s final journey began from the Congress headquarters on Saturday morning. With full military honors, his mortal remains were brought by officers of the Indian Armed Forces. Senior Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, draped the Indian National Congress flag over his body as a mark of respect.
The procession moved to Nigambodh Ghat, where dignitaries like Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP President JP Nadda, Delhi CM Atishi, and foreign representatives gathered to pay their respects.
A Legacy That Will Endure
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s contributions to India’s economic reforms and global standing remain unparalleled. Known for his humility and dedication, he guided India through pivotal moments with unmatched grace and intellect.
As the tricolor-covered pyre burned, the nation collectively mourned a leader whose vision, service, and compassion will forever remain in the hearts of millions. Dr. Singh’s life and legacy stand as a beacon for future generations, embodying the spirit of a true statesman.
