On Thursday evening, December 26, India lost one of its most respected statesmen, former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who died at AIIMS in Delhi. He was 92 and died of age-related health complications.

Dr. Singh, a visionary leader and an influential economist, played a key role in shaping India’s political and economic landscape. His death marks the end of an era, leaving the nation in collective grief.

The seven-day mourning period

The Union government has declared seven days of national mourning from December 26, 2024, to January 1, 2025. All government buildings and Indian missions abroad will fly the national flag at half-mast.

The Union Home Ministry also announced the cancellation of government events scheduled for Friday, December 27. Additionally, the Union Cabinet will convene on Friday morning to pay homage to the late leader.

Congress halts Foundation Day celebrations

Congress party with general secretary KC Venugopal declares the suspension of all official works and events for a week. This includes the foundation day. All events are going to resume on 3rd January 2025, and the flag of the party will remain at half mast during this mourning period.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared a public holiday on Friday, which caused schools, colleges, government offices, and banks in the state to shut down. Other states have not announced similar holidays.

Dr Manmohan Singh’s demise

AIIMS issued a statement on the timeline of Dr. Singh's death. He was brought to the hospital at 8:06 PM after resuscitation attempts failed at home. In all medical efforts, he was pronounced dead at 9:51 PM.

Later in the night, his body was taken to his residence at 3 Motilal Nehru Marg, and arrangements were made here for people to pay him their last respects. Full-state honors will follow his last rites on Saturday.

A legacy that transformed India

Dr. Manmohan Singh is survived by his wife, Gurcharan Singh, and three daughters. He is called the architect of India's economic liberalisation. During the 1991 financial crisis, he was Finance Minister under Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao. His landmark budget is credited with initiating reforms that reshaped the Indian economy.

Dr. Singh was India's Prime Minister for two consecutive terms from 2004 to 2014 and retired from the Rajya Sabha earlier this year after a remarkable 33-year tenure.

Condolences and tributes flow in for the leader

Leaders from all political lines have expressed their sorrow and admiration for Dr. Singh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed him a "visionary leader" and is scheduled to visit his residence to pay condolences.

“India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years. His interventions in Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives,” PM Modi posted on X.

President Droupadi Murmu said that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will always be remembered for his “service to the nation, his unblemished political life, and utmost humility,”

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said he had lost a “mentor and guide.”

He wrote, “Manmohan Singh Ji led India with immense wisdom and integrity. His humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the nation. My heartfelt condolences to Mrs Kaur and the family. I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride.”

Dr. Singh's funeral is scheduled for Saturday and will be conducted with full state honors. The nation will bid farewell, but his legacy as a trailblazing economist and statesman will continue to inspire generations.