Dr Manmohan Singh, India's 13th Prime Minister and a distinguished economist who steered the nation through a decade of significant growth, passed away on Thursday night at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. He was 92.
According to the official statement from AIIMS, Dr Singh experienced a sudden loss of consciousness at his residence on December 26, 2024. Despite immediate resuscitative measures initiated at home and subsequent emergency treatment at AIIMS, where he was rushed at 8:06 PM, he could not be revived and was declared deceased at 9:51 PM.
Dr Singh, who served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, made history as India's first Sikh Prime Minister and led the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government through two consecutive terms. His tenure was marked by significant economic reforms and policy initiatives that helped shape modern India.
The veteran Congress leader's last public appearance was in the Rajya Sabha in August 2023, where he continued to serve as a member after retiring from active political life following the 2014 general elections. His presence in Parliament, even in his final years, reflected his enduring commitment to public service.
In recognition of his extraordinary service to the nation, the government has announced a seven-day national mourning period. All government entertainment programs will be rescheduled, and flags across the country will be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect to the departed leader.
Dr Singh's passing marks the end of an era in Indian politics, particularly notable for his role as the architect of India's economic liberalization in the 1990s when he served as Finance Minister, and later as Prime Minister leading India through a period of substantial economic growth. His legacy encompasses not only his economic achievements but also his widely recognized reputation for integrity, scholarship, and statesmanship.
Comments
Post a Comment