India’s former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, an architect of India’s economic transformation, passed away in New Delhi on December 22, 2024, aged 92.
The central government has declared that Singh will be given a state funeral at Nigam Bodh Ghat in New Delhi, at 11:45 AM, on December 28, 2024.
State Mourning and Funeral Arrangements
A seven-day state mourning has been declared from December 27, 2024, to January 1, 2025, to honor Singh’s contribution to the nation.
During the mourning period, the national flag will fly at half-mast at all government installations, and official entertainment functions have been canceled.
On December 28, Singh’s remains will be taken to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters at 8 AM so that the public and Congress members can bid him farewell between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM. The funeral procession will proceed to Nigambodh Ghat for the last rites.
Tributes from National Leaders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspected Singh’s house to give his condolences to the family. In a statement a few hours later, Modi stated, “He saved the country from economic crisis by providing a design towards a new economy.
As a PM, his contribution towards development and progress has always been kept up for remembering.”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Prime Minister Modi with a request to conduct Singh’s last orbit at a place where his memorial can be built to keep his legacy alive.
The Legacy of Manmohan Singh
Born in 1932 in Punjab, Manmohan Singh was a well-known economist and was India’s first Sikh Prime Minister. Being the Finance Minister of India in 1991, he initiated major market reforms that took India from a protectionist to a vibrant capitalist economy that has experienced enormous growth.
Singh was in office as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, and his tenure was characterized by decent economic growth and social infrastructure investments.
However, his second term was affected by corruption scandals related to the 2010 Commonwealth Games, in which the Congress Party was defeated in the national elections of 2014.
The security personnel believe that there will be huge crowds attending the funeral, among them politicians and dignitaries, who will come to pay their last respects.
Adequate security arrangements will be made to ensure proper safety and conduct of the funeral ceremonies. The Delhi Police have issued advisories on traffic diversions and have requested members of the public to cooperate with security arrangements.
Other international leaders also expressed their condolences. A series of messages poured in from various heads of state in recognition of Singh’s investment in the Indian economic scenario and his contributions to the global economic forums.
While the nation prepares to bid adieu to one of her most revered leaders, policies have been made for the funeral to reflect, in all due solicitude and honor, the stature of Manmohan Singh.
Traditional funeral rites will be performed, including a ceremonial guard of honor, followed by the national anthem, and finally, the ceremony of cremation at Nigambodh Ghat.
The death of Manmohan Singh has resulted in a closing chapter in the history of Indian politics. His contribution to the reforms that made India as we know it today makes him a monumental figure in Indian history.
Those wishing to pay their respects must arrive at the AICC headquarters early on December 28, before the funeral procession starts to Nigambodh Ghat, according to authorities, who have requested attendees to arrive early and follow security protocols so as not to disrupt and cause havoc during the solemn homage to the departed leader.
