The last journey of the former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh started today, December 28, 2024. His mortal remains were taken from the Congress headquarters in New Delhi to Nigambodh Ghat for cremation. The 92-year-old ex-prime minister passed away on December 26, and a state funeral is being accorded to him, as he made considerable contributions to India's political and economic scenario.
Funeral Details
- Date and Time: December 28, 2024, at 11:45 AM
- Location: Nigambodh Ghat, New Delhi
- Procession: The funeral procession began at 9:30 AM from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters where public homage was paid from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM. Following this, the procession moved to the cremation site.
- State Honors: The Ministry of Home Affairs announced that Singh would receive a state funeral with the national flag flown at half-mast during a seven-day mourning period.
Contributions and Economic Legacy
Dr. Manmohan Singh was the prime minister of India from May 2004 to May 2014, being the country's 13th prime minister. Dr. Manmohan Singh is best known for transforming India's economy through a few key initiatives:
- Economic Reforms: The Singh tenure was characterized by significant reforms that liberalized and globalized the Indian economy. He had previously served as Finance Minister during the economic liberalization of 1991 under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, where he laid the groundwork for future reforms.
- GDP Growth: Under Singh, India enjoyed average GDP growth of about 8 percent a year, which put it firmly among the fastest-growing economies of the world at the time. His government had also laid considerable emphasis on infrastructural improvement and social welfare schemes.
- Social Initiatives: His government initiated several programs for poverty alleviation and rural development. The most significant among them was the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), which provided a legal guarantee of at least 100 days of wage employment per year to every rural household.
Public Sentiment and Memorial Plans
The passing of Dr. Singh has brought a deep sense of loss across the political spectrum. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has proposed that a memorial be established in the name of Singh at the site of his last rites. This is in recognition of his contribution as a "Great Son of India" whose legacy is deeply revered. The government has agreed to provide space for this memorial, which will be developed in consultation with Singh's family and party leaders.
In conclusion, Dr. Manmohan Singh's legacy is characterized by his calm demeanor and visionary leadership that guided India through transformative years. As the nation mourns his loss today, it also celebrates a life dedicated to public service and economic progress.
Dr. Manmohan Singh: From Village Boy to Prime Minister
Dr. Manmohan Singh, who died on December 26, 2024, was born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, a small village in the Punjab province of undivided India. The early life of Singh was influenced by the hardships of poverty as he grew up in a rural area that did not have even basic facilities like water and electricity. His family was from the Sikh community, and his family suffered greatly at the hands of time in and around the Partition of India in 1947.
Singh had an excellent academic record. He completed his school education in Urdu medium before moving to Amritsar, where he further continued his education at Hindu College and then at Panjab University. This thirst for knowledge further led him to pursue higher studies abroad. He acquired his Bachelor's degree from the University of Cambridge in 1957 and later went on to complete his Doctorate in Philosophy from Oxford University in 1962. His daughter, Daman Singh, shared stories of their financial struggles while he was in Cambridge and had to be very economical in order to live a life of frugality.
Dr. Singh completed his education and started his career as a teacher in Punjab University. He soon gained prominence in his academics and hard work. Acclaimed by the nation, he began serving the government with different key positions, such as Chief Economic Advisor and Finance Minister, through which he played a crucial role in reforming India's economy through some radical reforms.
A remarkable example of tenacity and devotion to public service is that of Dr. Singh, from his small village to India's Prime Minister. His legacy is dedication to economic growth and welfare, inspiring countless people of all generations.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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