Former PM Manmohan Singh Passes Away at 92
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Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, the architect of India’s economic reforms, passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92. His demise was announced by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, where he was admitted in critical condition.
An AIIMS bulletin stated that Singh was brought to the emergency ward at 8:06 PM after experiencing a sudden loss of consciousness at home. Despite extensive efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9:51 PM. Singh had been in declining health for the past few months.
Dr. Singh, who served two terms as Prime Minister in the Congress-led UPA government from 2004 to 2014, is survived by his wife, Gurcharan Kaur, and three daughters.
Nation Mourns the Loss of a Visionary Leader
Singh’s passing has elicited an outpouring of grief from across the political spectrum. President Droupadi Murmu called him “one of the greatest sons of Bharat,” praising his critical role in reforming the Indian economy.
“His passing is a great loss to all of us,” Murmu wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “I pay my respectful homage to Dr. Manmohan Singh and convey heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and admirers.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute, describing Singh as one of India’s most distinguished leaders. Modi recalled their extensive deliberations during Singh’s tenure and highlighted his wisdom and humility.
“As Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives,” Modi wrote on X. “India mourns the loss of a leader whose wisdom and humility were always evident. Om Shanti.”
Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were among the first to arrive at AIIMS upon hearing of his hospitalisation. Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi were en route to Delhi from Belagavi, where they had been attending a Congress Working Committee meeting.
A Life Dedicated to Public Service
Dr. Manmohan Singh was widely regarded as the architect of India’s 1991 economic reforms, which pulled the country back from the brink of bankruptcy and ushered in an era of liberalisation. As Finance Minister under then-Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, his vision laid the foundation for India’s economic resurgence.
Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister saw significant advancements, including policies aimed at poverty alleviation and inclusive growth. He was known for his integrity and humility, earning respect across political lines.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla called him “a renowned economist and enlightened politician” whose decades of service left an indelible mark on India’s governance.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh reminisced about Dr. Singh’s decision to return to academia after decades of public service. “India has lost a multifaceted personality—an academician of global recognition, an economist who redefined India’s economic culture, and a statesman of unmatched integrity,” he said.
Condolences from Jammu and Kashmir
Leaders from Jammu and Kashmir, including LG Manoj Sinha and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, expressed profound grief. Sinha hailed Singh’s “bold steps for nation-building” and described his passing as a loss of “a towering politician and a distinguished luminary.”
Omar Abdullah highlighted Singh’s contributions to the region, including the extension of rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley. “Dr. Singh’s visionary leadership uplifted millions of Indians out of poverty through inclusive policies,” he said.
Legacy of Humility and Vision
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s life and career exemplified a commitment to public service, intellectual rigor, and personal integrity. His contributions to India’s economic and political landscape will be remembered for generations to come.
