December 28, 2024: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, hailed as the architect of India’s economic reforms, was cremated with full state honours at Nigambodh Ghat on Saturday afternoon.

In a solemn ceremony, Singh’s daughter lit the funeral pyre, with President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and senior Congress leaders in attendance.

The day began with the final journey of the revered leader from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters, where Congress leaders and supporters gathered to pay their respects. The flower-adorned vehicle carrying Singh’s mortal remains departed from the Congress office amid chants of “Manmohan Singh Amar Rahe,” symbolizing the deep respect and admiration he commanded.

Earlier in the morning, Singh’s mortal remains were moved from his residence at 3, Motilal Nehru Road, to the AICC headquarters. There, party stalwarts, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi, along with other prominent leaders, paid homage to the leader who led India through transformative economic changes.

His wife, Gursharan Kaur, and one of his daughters also laid wreaths on his body, bidding a tearful farewell to the beloved statesman.

Manmohan Singh, a two-term Prime Minister and a distinguished economist, is remembered for his pivotal role in steering India’s economic liberalization in 1991 and his contributions to the nation’s growth. His demise marks the end of an era, leaving a void in India’s political and economic landscape.