 "Manmohan Singh dies: What is the 7-day mourning that the Centre has announced?")
On Thursday (December 26), India lost one of its finest leaders as former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh passed away at AIIMS, Delhi.
He was 92.
Dr Singh, who made significant contributions to the political and economic landscape of the nation , passed away from age-related health problems.
Reflecting the nation’s unity in mourning, the Union government has declared a seven-day mourning in his honour.
The former PM’s last rites will be conducted with full state honours.
The seven-day mourning period
A seven-day period of mourning is only declared upon the passing of a former prime minister, per official protocol.
A Union Home Ministry message reads the mourning period will be observed from December 26, 2024, to January 1, 2025, both days inclusive.
The Flag Code of India states that “the National Flag will be half-masted” on all buildings where it is flown on a regular basis “in the event of the death of the following dignitaries.”
The Home Ministry message also added that the “national flag shall also fly half-mast on the day of funeral in all Indian missions and High Commissions of India abroad."
According to media reports, any government events planned for Friday will be cancelled, and there will not be any official entertainment over those days.
The Union Cabinet will meet on Friday at 11 am.
Additionally, the Congress said that all of the party’s official events, including the Foundation Day celebration, would be suspended for the following seven days and resume on January 3.
The party flag will be flown at half-mast.
“As a mark of respect for the departed former Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh ji, all official programmes of the Indian National Congress, including the Foundation Day celebrations stand cancelled for the next seven days. This includes all the agitational and outreach programmes. Party programmes will resume on January 3, 2025. The party flag will be flown at half mast during this period of mourning,” Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal posted on X.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has declared a public holiday in the state for Friday. Consequently, all schools, colleges, government offices, and banks across the state will remain closed for the day. No other state has declared a holiday so far.
Dr Manmohan Singh’s demise
The former PM passed away on Thursday (December 26) evening at the age of 92.
“Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the Medical Emergency at AIIMS, New Delhi at 8.06 pm. Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9.51 pm,” the AIIMS said in a statement.
Upon learning of his hospitalisation, senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived at the hospital.
Late Thursday, his mortal remains were taken to his home at 3 Motilal Nehru Marg. Arrangements have been made for people to bid farewell before the final rites on Saturday, which will be held with full state honours.
Singh is survived by his wife Gurcharan Singh and three daughters.
The former PM was instrumental in bringing about economic reforms in the 1990s.
He served as the Prime Minister of India for two successive terms from 2004 to 2014.
Singh, a globally renowned economist, joined politics at the height of the 1991 financial crisis when he was appointed finance minister by the late Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao.
He is known for having introduced one of India's most significant Union Budgets , which helped to bring about liberalisation in the country in 1991.
Singh retired from the Rajya Sabha earlier this year after serving for 33 years in the house.
Tributes poured in
Manmohan Singh was hailed by people from all of the political groups as one of India’s most esteemed politicians.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Manmohan Singh as one of India’s most distinguished leaders. He is also expected to visit Singh’s residence to pay his tributes to the “visionary leader" and architect of India’s economic reforms.
“India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years. His interventions in Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives,” PM Modi posted on X.
India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic… pic.twitter.com/clW00Yv6oP
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 26, 2024
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will always be remembered for his “service to the nation, his unblemished political life, and utmost humility,” according to President Droupadi Murmu, who also added that the country has suffered a significant loss in his departure.
Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh Ji was one of those rare politicians who also straddled the worlds of academia and administration with equal ease. In his various roles in public offices, he made critical contributions to reforming Indian economy. He will always be…
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 26, 2024
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said he had lost a “mentor and guide.”
He wrote, “Manmohan Singh Ji led India with immense wisdom and integrity. His humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the nation. My heartfelt condolences to Mrs Kaur and the family. I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride.”
Manmohan Singh Ji led India with immense wisdom and integrity. His humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the nation.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 26, 2024
My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Kaur and the family.
I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the… pic.twitter.com/bYT5o1ZN2R
With inputs from agencies
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