India Bids Farewell to Former Indian Prime Minister, Economist, And Statesman Dr. Manmohan Singh

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh died on Thursday, December 26, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). He was 92.

He lost consciousness at his home. Reports suggest that he was rushed to the hospital late at night after his health deteriorated. Despite all measures, he could not be revived and was declared dead.

Leaders from all over the world took to social media to offer their heartfelt condolences.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to remember the great leader. He wrote, “India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders.” PM Modi added that he had “made extensive efforts to improve people's lives” as Prime Minister.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi said he was “genuinely egalitarian, wise, strong-willed and courageous until the end”.

Rahul Gandhi expressed that he had “lost a mentor and guide”.

Congress MP Renuka Chaudhary told news agency ANI, “It is a great sadness. Today, it's raining...The skies are weeping as India lost its great son and we have lost not only a respected PM but a wonderful man with great qualities of humility, tolerance, inclusivity, peace and all the qualities that every religion preaches to everyone.”

Mr Singh was born on 26 September 1932, in a village in the Punjab province of undivided India.

After attending Punjab University he took a master's degree at the University of Cambridge and then a DPhil at Oxford.

The statesman's career in public service began in 1971 during Mrs. Indira Gandhi’s government. He held key positions throughout his service, including Chief Economic Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Trade, Director of the Reserve Bank of India, and Secretary of Economic Affairs.

Manmohan Singh became the Finance Minister in 1991 when the country was slipping into bankruptcy. He made immense economic reforms during his tenure as finance minister. He cut taxes, devalued the rupee and encouraged foreign investment.

He was appointed as the prime minister of India in May 2004, after Congress leader Sonia Gandhi turned down the post. He remained in office for two consecutive terms till May 2014. He became the first Prime Minister of the country from a minority community.

The government has declared a 7 day mourning in honour of the “architect of India's economic reforms”. During this period, the National Flag will be flown at half mast across India.