Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, widely hailed as the architect of India’s economic reforms, was cremated on Saturday following a state funeral attended by government officials, politicians, and family members.
Singh, who served as prime minister from 2004 to 2014, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. Known for his quiet demeanor and transformative policies, his death marks the end of an era in Indian politics.
The late leader’s body was first brought to the Congress Party headquarters in New Delhi, where party members and supporters gathered to pay their respects. Supporters chanted, “Manmohan Singh lives forever,” as they honored his contributions to the nation.
“He spoke little, but his actions and leadership spoke volumes,” said Abhishek Bishnoi, a Congress Party leader.
The funeral procession moved to a crematorium, where Singh’s casket, draped in the Indian flag and adorned with flowers, was carried with military honors. Soldiers beat ceremonial drums as family members and dignitaries bid their final farewells.
Indian President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were among those in attendance. Modi described Singh as “one of the country’s most distinguished leaders” and acknowledged his pivotal role in shaping modern India.
Manmohan Singh was chosen as prime minister in 2004 by Sonia Gandhi, widow of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, and re-elected in 2009. He is credited with spearheading economic reforms that opened India to global markets and laid the foundation for decades of growth.
However, his second term was marred by financial scandals, leading to the Congress Party’s defeat in the 2014 elections to the Bharatiya Janata Party.
A seven-day mourning period has been declared nationwide. All cultural and entertainment events have been canceled during this time to honor Singh’s memory.
As the pyre burned and religious hymns filled the air, India said goodbye to a leader whose quiet determination left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.
Source: news.sky.com
