Prez, VP, PM, HM, J&K LG, CM, Farooq, Mirwaiz, Mehbooba, Bukhari, Lone grieved
Northlines Correspondent
New Delhi, Dec 27: The country mourned the death of a renowned economist and India’s only Sikh Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, who passed away at 92 on Thursday evening.
The leaders cutting across the party lines expressed their grief over the demise of the former prime minister and praised him for taking bold measures during his tenure for building the nation.
Taking to the X (formerly twitter), the President of India, Droupadi Murmu in a post said that Manmohan Singh was one of those rare politicians who also straddled the worlds of academia and administration with equal ease.
“Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh Ji was one of those rare politicians who also straddled the worlds of academia and administration with equal ease. In his various roles in public offices, he made critical contributions to reforming Indian economy. He will always be remembered for his service to the nation, his unblemished political life and his utmost humility. His passing is a great loss to all of us. I pay my respectful homage to one of the greatest sons of Bharat and convey my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers,” President of India wrote.
Vice President of India, V P Dhankar expressed grief over his demise. “Deeply pained to learn about the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji, former Prime Minister and a distinguished economist who transformed India’s economic landscape. A Padma Vibhushan awardee and architect of India’s economic liberalisation in 1991, he boldly steered our nation through a critical transition, opening new pathways for growth and prosperity,” he wrote.
“As the Vice-President of India, I had the privilege to engage in meaningful, insightful interactions with Dr. Singh at his residence. His profound understanding of economy, gentle demeanor and unwavering commitment to India’s progress will forever be etched in my memory. In Dr. Singh’s passing, India has lost a leader of towering intellect and a statesman par excellence. His legacy will forever guide Bharat’s growth trajectory. My heartfelt condolences to his family and countless admirers in this difficult hour,” Vice President of India wrote.
The Union Cabinet on Friday passed a condolence resolution in the memory of Dr Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister who passed away on December 26, 2024 at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi at the age of 92.
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi showered praises on Manmohan, saying that rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. “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.” Narendra Modi wrote.
The Union Home Minister also posted series of posts and said he will be remembered for his vast knowledge of finance and public policy. “Paid floral tributes to the former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. A distinguished economist Manmohan Singh Ji, will always be remembered for his vast knowledge of finance and public policy,” Amit Shah wrote.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha said the former prime minister made extremely significant contributions to India’s growth. “During his long career in public service, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji made extremely significant contributions to India’s growth. As Prime Minister, he took bold steps for nation building. In his passing away, the nation has lost a towering politician and a distinguished luminary,” Office of LG J&K posted.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that India has lost a great son with Dr Manmohan Singh’s passing. “Very sorry to hear about the demise of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh. I had many occasions to interact & learn from him. He was truly an intellectual giant, an accomplished economist but above all he was a thorough gentleman, a giant among pygmies. India has lost a great son with his passing. Rest in peace sir & thank you for everything,” Omar Abdullah wrote.
National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Friday expressed grief over former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s demise, saying his biggest legacy was that he tried to keep India united and spread love across the nation.
Remembering Singh’s efforts for peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir, the NC chief said his government took the biggest step of trying to bring back Kashmiri Pandits and address their difficulties in Jammu.
“Over 3,000 Kashmiri Pandits returned here, and their children were provided jobs. Colonies like Jagati were established for them so they could live comfortably until they return to their homes,” he added.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief and former J&K chief minister, Mehbooba Mufti said Dr. Singh worked tirelessly to advance the peace process and usher in a new era of development in Jammu and Kashmir. “I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Manmohan Singh & I am certain that he was one of the most humble and gentle souls I’ve encountered – an extremely rare trait in politicians today. His humility & kindness were evident even during his double tenure as Prime Minister when he would personally return calls. Despite the challenges he faced, Dr. Singh worked tirelessly to advance the peace process and usher in a new era of development in Jammu and Kashmir. He was a man of few words whose welfare schemes brought relief to millions of Indians cutting across caste, creed & religion,” Mehbooba Mufti wrote.
Peoples Conference (PC) Chairman, Sajad Gani Lone said that the economist Prime Minister will be known for his pioneering reforms. “A great human being and a gentleman Prime Minister passes away. The economist Prime Minister will always be know for his pioneering reforms and liberalisation. May he rest in peace,” Sajad Lone wrote.
President of Apni Party and former minister Syed Altaf Bukhari said that the former PM dedicated his entire life to serving the nation. “Dr. Manmohan Singh, a visionary economist, academic, and one of India’s longest-serving PMs, dedicated his entire life to serving the nation. As Finance Minister in 1991, he ended the Licence Raj, transforming India’s economy. His legacy will inspire generations. May his soul rest in peace,” Altaf Bukhari wrote.
Apart from the mainstream politicians in J&K, Hurriyat Conference leader and Jamia Masjid’s head cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed grief over his demise, calling him a statesman committed to harmony and resolution. “Saddened by the demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. I recall our meetings, both during his tenure as PM and before, where his sincerity towards dialogue on Kashmir and fostering people-to-people contact across borders was evident. He believed in open borders and lasting peace with neighbors and engaged with us in Hurriyat with an open mind. A statesman committed to harmony and resolution. Condolences to his family, May his soul rest in peace,” Mirwaiz wrote.
Dr Manmohan Singh left his imprint on national life: Union Cabinet
New Delhi, Dec 27: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday passed a condolence resolution in the memory of Dr. Manmohan Singh and paid homage to , the former Prime Minister by observing a two-minute silence.
“Dr. Manmohan Singh has left his imprint on our national life. In his passing away, the Nation has lost an eminent statesman, renowned economist and a distinguished leader,” the resolution said.
The Cabinet extended its heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government and entire nation to the bereaved family.
The central government has declared state mourning for seven days till January 1, 2025 to pay respect to Dr Singh.
During this mourning period, the national flag will be flown half-mast throughout India. The national flag will also be flown at half-mast in all the Indian Missions/High Commissions abroad for seven days.
Dr. Manmohan Singh will be accorded state funeral. On the day of state funeral, a half day holiday will be declared in all the central government offices and state-run public sector undertakings.
Two-time prime minister of India, Dr. Singh began his career as a Senior Lecturer in Punjab University, Chandigarh and became Professor of Economics in the same University. In 1969, he became Professor of International Trade in the Delhi School of Economics, Delhi University. Dr Singh became Economic Adviser in 1971 in the then Ministry of Foreign Trade. He was Chief Economic Adviser, Ministry of Finance (1972-76), Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (November 1976 to April 1980), Member Secretary, Planning Commission (April 1980 to September 1982), and Governor of Reserve Bank of India (September 1982 to January 1985).
Among the many awards and honours conferred upon Dr. Singh in his career, the most prominent are India’s second highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan (1987), the Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary Award of Indian’s Science Congress (1995), the Euro Money Award for Finance Minister of the year (1993), the Adam Smith Prize of the University of Cambridge (1956).
“Dr. Manmohan Singh served as India’s Finance Minister between 1991 to 1996. His role in ushering in a comprehensive policy of economic reforms is well recognized. Dr. Singh became the Prime Minister of India on 22nd May, 2004 and served as Prime Minister till May, 2009. He became Prime Minister for the second term from May 2009 to 2014,” said the condolence resolution passed by the Cabinet.
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