In brief
Nationwide mourning swept across India as citizens gathered to honor Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister who served from 2004 to 2014, passing away at 92.
Singh's funeral, held on Saturday, was graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who called him one of India's most distinguished leaders. The procession through Delhi was marked by a state honor that included military salutes and attendance from high-ranking officials and foreign dignitaries.Singh's coffin, draped in flowers and an Indian flag, accompanied by an honor guard, made its way through the capital. Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to Singh’s humility and wisdom, emphasizing his efforts to uplift the public. Other notable figures, including President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, also attended the ceremony.International leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden echoed similar sentiments, recognizing Singh's role in fostering American-Indian relations, calling him a true statesman and dedicated public servant. Singh was credited with transformational economic policies that propelled India into an era of growth, particularly after his time as Finance Minister in 1991.His tenure was marked by significant achievements, including lifting millions out of poverty and responding to the 1984 riots as the first Sikh PM. However, his legacy also faced challenges, notably corruption allegations that overshadowed his second term.As the nation moves through a seven-day mourning period, Singh's impact on India's growth continues to echo throughout the country, with many reflecting on his profound influence on both governance and economic reform.
