New Delhi, 28 Dec. 24: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s mortal remains were cremated on Saturday at Nigambodh Ghat, with his eldest daughter, Upinder Singh, lighting the funeral pyre. The ceremony was attended by key political figures, foreign dignitaries, and a host of Singh’s supporters.
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were present for the proceedings. Prominent leaders including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi also paid their respects. Prime Minister Modi remarked, “Singh’s contributions to the country’s economic growth are undeniable, and his legacy will remain.”
Among the foreign dignitaries who honored Singh were King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan and Mauritius’ Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful, who paid their respects alongside Indian leaders.
The procession carrying Singh’s body began from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters, with Congress party workers chanting, “Manmohan Singh amar rahe.” Rahul Gandhi joined the procession, walking alongside Singh’s family as it made its way to the crematorium.
Singh’s casket, draped in the Tricolour and surrounded by flowers, was placed on a raised platform at the crematorium, where political figures from various parties laid wreaths in his honor. Singh’s wife, Gursharan Kaur, and daughter also participated in the final tributes.
Manmohan Singh, 92, passed away on Thursday due to age-related health issues at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). A respected statesman, he served as India’s Prime Minister for a decade, from 2004 to 2014, and played a crucial role in the country’s economic transformation.
The Union Home Ministry has declared a seven-day period of national mourning, during which the national flag will be flown at half-mast across India in honor of Singh.