Former Indian PM Dr. Manmohan Singh Passes Away at 92
NEW DELHI, Dec 26: Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, a renowned statesman and economist who architected India's economic reforms, breathed his last at the age of 92 in New Delhi on Thursday night.
Dr. Singh, who had been admitted to critical condition at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), suffered a sudden loss of consciousness due to age-related complications. Despite resuscitation efforts, he was declared dead at 9:51 PM.
The passing of Dr. Singh marks the end of an era in Indian politics and economy, leaving a void that can never be filled. His demise has sent shockwaves across the nation, with leaders from various parties paying their condolences to the former Prime Minister.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her profound sorrow over his death, hailing him as "one of the greatest sons of Bharat" whose contributions to economic reforms and public service will remain etched in history. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to him, calling him a distinguished leader whose wisdom, humility, and economic vision transformed India.
As a former Finance Minister under P.V. Narasimha Rao, Dr. Singh introduced groundbreaking economic reforms that steered India away from bankruptcy and ushered in an era of liberalization that transformed the country's economic trajectory.
During his tenure as Prime Minister for two consecutive terms from 2004 to 2014, Dr. Singh championed policies aimed at inclusive growth and poverty alleviation. He spearheaded initiatives such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Right to Information Act, which empowered citizens and bolstered transparency in governance.
Dr. Singh's legacy is multifaceted, and his contributions extended beyond economic policies to infrastructure development and scientific research. His deep concern for Jammu and Kashmir was evident in his efforts to improve connectivity in the region, including extending railway lines to the Kashmir Valley.
Leaders from across the political spectrum are paying tribute to Dr. Singh, with prominent figures like Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Om Birla, Jitendra Singh, and Manoj Sinha expressing their condolences and praising his remarkable leadership and vision.
Dr. Singh's passing has left an indelible mark on India's history, and his legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations to strive for excellence in public service and governance. As tributes continue to pour in, the nation is mourning the loss of a towering figure who left an indelible mark on its politics and economy.
Biographical Sketch:
Dr. Manmohan Singh was born in 1932 in the Jhelum district in what is now Pakistan. He went on to become one of India's most respected statesmen and economists, serving as the country's Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014. His tenure saw significant economic reforms, policies aimed at inclusive growth, and developmental initiatives for rural households.
Tributes pour in:
- President Droupadi Murmu: "One of the greatest sons of Bharat"
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi: "A distinguished leader whose wisdom, humility, and economic vision transformed India."
- Sonia Gandhi: Paid her condolences to Dr. Singh upon hearing the news of his hospitalization.
- Rahul Gandhi: Rushed to Delhi to pay respects to Dr. Singh.
- Om Birla: Described him as a renowned economist, efficient administrator, and enlightened politician who served the nation with dedication.
- Jitendra Singh: Highlighting his contributions to academia and describing him as a gentleman who embodied humility and grace.
- Manoj Sinha: Expressed condolences and praised Dr. Singh's significant contributions to nation-building and bold decision-making.
The Nation Mourns:
India is mourning the loss of a towering figure in its politics and economy. As tributes continue to pour in, the nation will remember Dr. Manmohan Singh for his remarkable leadership, vision, and commitment to public service.