Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has declared seven days of state mourning to honor the late former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi. Dr. Singh served as the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, during which he became one of the country’s most revered economists and statesmen, implementing transformative economic reforms.
Singh’s leadership saw India emerge as one of the world’s largest economies, and he was credited with numerous policies aimed at improving the living standards of millions. His death marks the loss of not only a political figure but also one of the most influential voices shaping India’s modern economic identity.
To commemorate his legacy, December 27 has been declared as a government holiday across Karnataka. This announcement was met with widespread support, as citizens paid tributes to Singh's substantial contributions to the nation's progress.
“In respect to the life and service of Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Karnataka government will observe state mourning, and we encourage all citizens to reflect on his achievements,” said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during the announcement.
On December 27, educational institutions across the state will also observe this holiday. Notably, Bangalore University announced the postponement of its second-semester MBA exam, which was scheduled for the same day. “Due to the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, the state government has declared today as a public holiday. Accordingly, the MBA (2nd semester) examination slated for today has been canceled and will be rescheduled. New dates will be communicated shortly,” stated Srinivas C, the Registrar (Evaluation) at Bangalore University.
Singh’s impact on Indian politics and economy remains unparalleled, and his passing has left many reflecting on the massive changes he helped usher during his tenure, including significant economic reforms and strategic initiatives to bolster India’s global standing. His policies laid the groundwork for what many refer to as the economic liberalization of India, spurring growth across various sectors.
The late Prime Minister is survived by his family, and tributes have started pouring in from various leaders, political figures, and ordinary citizens alike, all recognizing his role as a pillar of India's economic structure.
During his time as PM, Singh oversaw major initiatives including the National Rural Health Mission and the Right to Information Act, which aimed to empower citizens and improve transparency within government operations. Under his policy direction, India witnessed impressive GDP growth rates and significant foreign investment. His academic credentials and experience as the former Finance Minister positioned him uniquely to tackle the challenges facing the nation.
Singh’s announcement came as his health had been deteriorated over the years, and his recent hospitalization heightened concerns among his followers and citizens. Hospitals and public health officials were on high alert following his passing, anticipating increased public interest and gatherings as people came to pay their last respects.
Prior to his passing, Singh was often seen as a voice of moderation and integrity among India’s political elite, advocating for economic stability and social welfare. The mourning period declared by the Karnataka government reflects the sentiment of loss shared by many who grew up during his administration.
Meanwhile, tributes continue to flow not just from politicians but also from various sectors of Indian society, including civil servants, educators, and business leaders who have voiced their respect for Singh's visionary leadership. Many are expected to gather at memorial events organized across the state and country to honor his legacy.
Even as Karnataka government outlines the mourning period, the significant shift for Bangalore University and similar institutions underlines the need for adaptive measures during periods of national significance. The collective respect shown through these adjustments highlights the impact Singh had on educational frameworks and student engagements during his tenure as Prime Minister.
