Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was cremated with full state honours at New Delhi's Nigambodh Ghat on Saturday, marking the end of the life of one of India's most influential leaders. Singh, who passed away at the age of 92, is remembered for his significant contributions to India’s economy and international relations.
Global leaders, Indian officials, and dignitaries from various walks of life gathered to pay their respects, highlighting his legacy as both a reformer and statesman. Singh’s eldest daughter, Upinder Singh, lit his funeral pyre, which was attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and key Congress figures including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi.
Foreign dignitaries, such as King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan and Mauritius's Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful, paid their respects as well. Singh’s long tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 left an indelible mark on Indian politics and governance, leading many to regard him as the architect of the country's current economic framework.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan laid wreaths on his mortal remains, alongside several Chief Ministers of various states. Before Singh's remains were consigned to the flames, he was honored with a 21-gun salute, signifying the respect he garnered throughout his lifetime.
The last rites were highly ceremonial, featuring traditional hymns chanted by Sikh priests along with family members, reflecting Singh’s deep-rooted cultural and religious values. The Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed earlier this week the allocation of space for his memorial, adhering to requests made by Singh's family and Congress leaders.
Singh died on Thursday at AIIMS, New Delhi, after being hospitalized. The government announced a seven-day mourning period following his death, underscoring the gravity of his national contributions. He was also noted as serving as a Member of Parliament until April 2024 and had never been elected to the Lok Sabha but held positions in the Rajya Sabha since 1991.
Prime Minister Modi was among the first to express his condolences via social media, reminiscing about Singh's vast contributions toward strengthening India's economy. Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandh, expressed their sorrow and celebrated Singh’s commitment to the Indian National Congress party and the nation, reflecting on the significant impact Singh had on modern India.
Of all his accomplishments, Singh is perhaps best known for his role during the economic crisis of 1991 when he served as Finance Minister. At the time, India faced severe economic struggles and was on the verge of bankruptcy. Singh seized this moment as not just another macroeconomic crisis but as an opportunity for transformative change.
His landmark speech to the Lok Sabha on July 24, 1991, emphasized the necessity of moving from state-directed quantitative planning to market-based reforms. This marked the beginning of extensive economic reforms, allowing entrepreneurs to thrive and ushering India onto the global stage as one of the world’s largest economies.
Through his reforms, nearly 250-300 million people have been lifted out of poverty since 1991, signaling significant advancements under his guidance. Singh later expanded on his economic policies during his tenure as Prime Minister, focusing on initiatives aimed at the welfare of the poor and marginalized sections of society.
During Singh’s leadership, notable legislation such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) was introduced, which provided employment rights to rural citizens, representing the initial steps toward developing India's modern welfare state.
Singh’s commitment to improving education and health has also been highlighted, with reforms fostering opportunities and upliftment for the less privileged, showcasing his dedication to bridging India’s socio-economic divides.
On the international front, Singh was pivotal in the Indo-US nuclear deal, which ended India's long-standing nuclear isolation and redefined the geopolitical dynamics between the two nations. He is often credited with opening up discussions and fostering strong diplomatic relations with countries around the world.
Singh’s humility and brilliance were acknowledged by economists and global leaders alike, who respect him for his unwavering commitment to India’s growth and development. President Bush during their meetings praised Singh's role, noting the historic relationship shift thanks to Singh’s leadership.
Criticism did arise during his later years, especially surrounding the management of scandals and slowing economic growth. Nonetheless, Singh remains a respected figure whose policies have had lasting impressions on both governance and economic frameworks.
His dedication to transparency and accountability paved the way for movements advocating citizen rights and governance reforms, and his legacy continues to inspire discussions on economic policies and social rights within India.
With his passing, India reflects on Singh’s immense contributions to the nation—a legacy of reform, resilience, and respect—and the mourning period declared is not just for the loss of a leader but for the ideals he represented.
