Manmohan Singh passes away highlights: AIADMK MP Thambidurai pays tribute to Dr Manmohan Singh, praises his economic reforms

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, accompanied by his spouse Sudesh, paid their final respects to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at his residence on Friday. The Vice-President and his wife extended their condolences to Singh’s family, highlighting his lasting legacy and invaluable contributions to the nation.

The Vice-President’s Secretariat shared the tribute on X, expressing profound sorrow over Singh’s passing. Singh, who served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, passed away late Thursday night at AIIMS, Delhi.

Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Friday, reflecting on the legacy of the renowned economist and statesman, described former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as a figure who "led from the front" with unmatched honesty and humility.

On the demise of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh, Congress leader Sachin Pilot says, "He faced all the challenges that came his way with a smile on his face. He was a simple and calm person. He kept the nation as a priority, all his life. He said that history will see him differently."

Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa on Friday expressed condolences over the death of the former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, terming his demise as a "national loss."

Bajwa called former PM Manmohan Singh the "Einstein of the economy" and stated that he was a world figure whose contributions will be remembered by the whole country.

"It is an unfortunate incident for the nation. He was a world figure. I would call him the Einstein of the economy...His contributions will be remembered by the Amritsar and the whole country. It is a national loss," Bajwa told ANI.

Congress national spokesperson Shama Mohamed termed his demise as the "biggest loss" and recalled her meeting with him.

In her condolence message, President Murmu said, "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 remembered for his service to the nation, his unblemished political life and his utmost humility. His passing is a great loss to all of us. I pay my respectful homage to one of the greatest sons of Bharat and convey my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers."

Himachal Pradesh government has declared a two-day state holiday and a day of national mourning to honor the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

All government buildings will fly the national flag at half-mast as a mark of respect. Furthermore, the events scheduled for Shimla's Winter Carnival have been postponed until December 1 to commemorate the loss of one of India's greatest statesmen.

Dr. Manmohan Singh, who was widely regarded as an architect of modern India's economic resurgence, has left behind a legacy that transcends political boundaries. Paying his respects, PWD and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh described Dr. Singh is a towering figure in Indian and global politics.

Speaking about Dr. Singh's contributions, Vikramaditya Singh said, "Manmohan Singh was a remarkable economist whose expertise shaped the course of India's economic history. His demise is not just a loss for the country but also a significant blow to the Congress party. My late father, Virbhadra Singh, had the privilege of working with him, and I too had the honor of meeting him." Said Singh.

Even as prime minister, Manmohan Singh's preference for simplicity was evident in his fondness for a modest Maruti Suzuki 800, a car he cherished over a luxurious BMW that came with the position.

In a heartfelt social media tribute by Asim Arun, Uttar Pradesh’s minister of state for social welfare (independent charge), shared an anecdote about Singh’s simplicity and values. Despite the availability of a fleet of high-security vehicles, including a state-of-the-art BMW, Singh often expressed his preference for his humble Maruti Suzuki 800. "Asim, I don't like travelling in this car (BMW). My car is the Maruti," Singh would tell Arun, his eyes often drifting to the Maruti whenever his motorcade passed by it.

Former President Ramnath Kovind on Friday expressed his grief over the passing away of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Kovind termed Dr Singh an 'architect' of the Indian economy.

"The passing of Dr Manmohan Singh is not just a setback for the nation but also a personal loss for me. I have known him for so long... He was an example of politeness... I believe that he was an architect of the Indian economy...I pay my tribute to him," former President Kovind said in a delf made video.

Manmohan Singh passed away at AIIMS, Delhi, on Thursday evening at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions. He had a sudden loss of consciousness at home, after which he was rushed to AIIMS Delhi.

Meanwhile, in a heartfelt tribute to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, PM Narendra Modi on Friday expressed deep sorrow over his passing, describing it as a great loss for the nation.

Former Himachal Pradesh CM and Leader of the Opposition, Jairam Thakur, expressed deep sorrow over the demise of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, describing his death as an irreplaceable loss.
He said that the entire country is mourning the loss of Dr Manmohan Singh.

"Hailing from a small village, Dr. Manmohan Singh studied at some of the world's prestigious institutions and contributed to the nation in significant ways. As an economist, he will be remembered as a pioneer of India's current economic liberalization. He led the country during challenging times and guided it through various difficulties," former Himachal CM said.

"Dr. Manmohan Singh initiated economic reforms in 1991, which provided a new direction to India's economy on the global stage. Under his leadership, the country's economic growth rate improved, and India established itself as a rapidly developing economy," he added.

Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav condoled the demise of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and said that the former PM was rich in talent, the country found new direction at several places due to his talent and policies.

"An economist, former Prime Minister and former Finance Minister, who held many such important responsibilities, Dr Manmohan Singh's departure among us is very painful. Rich in talent has left us. He was a very nice person. The country has found a new direction at several places due to his talent and his policies. I pray to Baba Mahakal to give him a place at His lotus feet. Om Shanti," Yadav told ANI.

Earlier in a post on X, the Chief Minister expressed his heartfelt tribute to the former PM and said that his demise was an irreparable loss for the political world.

"The demise of former Prime Minister of India and great economist Dr Manmohan Singh is an irreparable loss for the political world. I pay tribute to him and pray to God to grant peace to the departed soul," Yadav wrote.

Congress MPs Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and KC Venugopal and party's other leaders at the residence of late former PM Manmohan Singh.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh was a true statesman who led by example, ex-Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh said on Friday. His vision, wisdom, humility and commitment to the country's growth will always be remembered, Amarinder Singh, now a BJP leader, said.

"Deeply saddened by the passing of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh ji, a true statesman who led by example," Singh posted on X.

"I will fondly remember seeking his guidance on various economic issues faced by Punjab. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday led the nation in paying tribute to former Prime Minister and veteran economist Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92 due to age-related ailments.

Singh was rushed to Delhi's AIIMS after a sudden loss of consciousness at home but could not be revived.

In his address dedicated to Manmohan Singh, PM Modi said, "We all have deeply saddened by the demise of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh. His passing is a setback to the whole nation...his life is an example for future generations regarding how we can rise above struggles and achieve greater heights."

"He will always be remembered as an honest man, a great economist and a leader who dedicated himself to reforms. As an economist, he provided a lot of services to the nation. During a challenging time, he served as RBI Governor...when he was finance minister in the cabinet of former PM Bharat Ratna PV Narasimha Rao, he gave the country that was reeling under economic crisis, a new direction in terms of economy," he added.

We all have deeply saddened by the demise of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh. His passing is a setback to the whole nation...his life is an example for future generations regarding how we can rise above struggles and achieve greater heights. He will always be remembered as an honest man, a great economist and a leader who dedicated himself to reforms. As an economist, he provided a lot of services to the nation. During a challenging time, he served as RBI Governor...when he was Finance Minister in the cabinet of former PM Bharat Ratna PV Narasimha Rao, he gave the country that was reeling under economic crisis, a new direction in terms of economy..."

"Dr Manmohan Singh was a distinguished parliamentarian, known for his unwavering commitment to duty. Even in his final days as a Rajya Sabha MP, he actively participated in parliamentary proceedings. A visionary economist, his brilliance and dedication have left an indelible mark on the nation. India will forever honour his remarkable contributions"

On the demise of former PM Manmohan Singh, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh says, "He will always be remembered as a great, knowledgeable and farsighted politician and parliamentarian. He was a leading economist who was known across the world. He became the Finance Minister of the country at the time of an economic crisis. He is credited for libralisation. But above all this was his dignity and dignified conduct..."

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was a brilliant economist with a visionary outlook on India's potential, combined with a fine sense of political feasibility, former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan said on Friday. Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms, passed away here late on Thursday at the age of 92.

Rajan described Singh as understated and soft-spoken, qualities that enabled him to attract some of the brightest minds to his team, including Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Rangarajan, and Rakesh Mohan.

"He was a brilliant economist with a great vision of what India could be, combined with a fine sense of what was possible politically... the liberalisation and reforms he undertook with the support of Prime Minister Narasimha Rao laid the foundations of the modern Indian economy," he told PTI.

Manmohan Singh's contributions as the architect of India's economic reforms have left an indelible mark, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said on Friday as he paid tribute to the departed soul. Singh, the former prime minister and finance minister, also served as the RBI governor between 1982 and 1985.

"I am deeply saddened on the passing away of former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, a visionary economist and former RBI Governor. His contributions as the architect of India's economic reforms have left an indelible mark. @RBI joins the nation in mourning this huge," Malhotra said in a post on X.

Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms, died here on Thursday night at the age of 92.

When Singh took the reins of the finance ministry in 1991, India's fiscal deficit was close to 8.5 per cent of the GDP, the balance of payments deficit was huge and the current account deficit was close to 3.5 per cent of GDP.

To make things worse, foreign reserves were just enough to pay for two weeks of imports, indicating that the Indian economy was in deep crisis.

Against this backdrop, the new economic era was brought in through the Union Budget 1991-92 presented by Singh.

Tripura CM Manik Saha condoled the death of former prime minister Manmohan Singh and said his contribution in nation building and shaping the economic landscape of the country will always be remembered. Singh, 92, died in AIIMS Delhi on Thursday night.

"Deeply saddened by the passing of former PM of India and veteran Congress leader Manmohan Singh Ji. His contributions in nation-building and shaping the economic landscape of the country will always be remembered", the chief minister wrote in a post on Facebook on Thursday.

"May the departed soul find eternal peace! Om Shanti", Saha said.

The Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) also expressed grief over the death of former prime minister Manmohan Singh.

"We are deeply mourned by the death of Manmohan Singh ji, the former prime minister. He was a towering figure of Indian politics and a statesman of unparalleled integrity. His visionary leadership, astute economic acumen, and unwavering commitment to the nation's progress have left an enduring legacy", TPCC said in a Facebook post on Thursday.

Manmohan Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms, had to literally face a trial-by-fire to ensure widespread acceptance of his path-breaking 1991 Union budget that saw the nation rise from its darkest financial crises. Singh, the newly-appointed finance minister in the PV Narasimha Rao-led government, did it with great elan -- from facing journalists at a post-budget press conference to irate Congress leaders unable to digest the wide-ranging reforms at the parliamentary party meeting.
Singh's historic reforms not only rescued India from near bankruptcy but also redefined its trajectory as a rising global power.

Singh made an unscheduled appearance at a press conference on July 25, 1991, a day after the presentation of the Union budget, "to ensure that the message of his budget did not get distorted by less-than-enthusiastic officials", Congress leader Jairam Ramesh wrote in his book "To the Brink and Back: India's 1991 Story" that recounts the fast-paced changes that took place after Rao became prime minister in June 1991.

"The finance minister explained his budget -- calling it 'a budget with a human face'. He painstakingly defended the proposals to increase fertiliser, petrol and LPG prices," Ramesh recounted in the book published in 2015.

Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang condoled the death of former prime minister Manmohan Singh and described him as a "visionary leader" whose significant contributions to economic reforms and public service have left an indelible mark on the nation.

Singh, 92, died in AIIMS Delhi on Thursday night. He was brought to the emergency department in a critical condition in the evening.

The chief minister extended his condolences to Singh's family and loved ones through a social media post emphasizing the impact of Singh's leadership on India's development. "His legacy will continue to inspire future generations," Tamang said on Thursday.

Singh as Prime Minister had visited Sikkim on September 29, 2011 after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake had struck Sikkim on September 18, 2011 and had announced a Rs 1,000 crore relief package for the northeastern state.

In March 2018, when Manmohan Singh came as the chief guest at the convocation cum-alumni meet of his alma mater, Hindu College, in Amritsar, he recollected his days at the college and how the faculty played a key role in shaping his career, from a noted economist to the nation’s PM.

Much like his college days, the former PM arrived exactly on time with his better half, Gursharan Kaur, recall Hindu College professors who attended the event.

Doctors made an effort to revive former PM Manmohan Singh when he had a sudden loss of consciousness at home on Thursday.

Though the team of doctors stationed at home tried Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) several times, the 92-year-old PM, with a long history of heart ailments and diabetes, was taken to " medical emergency" unit at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at 8.06 pm. A team of cardiologists attending to him made multiple efforts to revive him for more than an hour but failed.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, aged 92, passed away at AIIMS Delhi on Thursday night. His critical condition had brought him to the emergency department earlier in the evening. His demise has left the nation mourning, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from across the political spectrum.

Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh expressed his sorrow in a post on X, describing Singh as a "visionary leader" whose commitment to the nation left an "indelible mark." The CM conveyed his condolences to the family and loved ones, wishing for the former PM's soul to rest in peace.

State Congress president Keisham Meghachandra also paid tribute on X, expressing profound grief over Singh's passing. He extended condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for strength during this difficult time. Meghachandra highlighted Singh's significant contributions to the development of modern Manipur, crediting him with numerous revolutionary projects and key advancements in the state.

Manmohan Singh's legacy as a stalwart leader and architect of India's economic and developmental progress continues to be celebrated even as the nation mourns his loss.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, aged 92, passed away late on Thursday evening after prolonged illness.

Manmohan Singh is widely regarded as the architect of the economic reforms introduced during PV Narasimha Rao's tenure, which contributed to India's economic growth.

Beyond economics, Singh had a deep interest in 'shayari' (Urdu poetry), often using it during parliamentary debates and press briefings to respond to political opponents.

One of his most famous poetic statements was: "Hazaro jawabo'n se achi hai meri khamoshi, jo kayi sawalo ki aabru dhak leti hai."

Delhi CM Atishi expressed condolences on the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Expressing grief, Atishi said that the country has not just lost a renowned economist, but a leader whose erudition and dignity will always be remembered.

"With the passing of former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the country has not just lost a world renowned economist, but a leader whose erudition and dignity will always be remembered. Deepest condolences to his family and loved one's. May God give them strength at this difficult time," Atishi posted on X.

According to a statement from the Delhi CM Office, CM Atishi has cancelled all her official programs scheduled for Friday.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena also expressed pain over the passing away of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

LG stated that Singh was a visionary leader and his life was a "journey of aspirational India."

In a social media post on X, LG wrote, "My deepest condolences on the passing away of former Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh Ji. A visionary leader who rose from amongst the common and humble people, his was a journey of aspirational India. My thoughts and prayers are there with him and his family in this hour of grief and insurmountable loss."

Manmohan Singh, often hailed as the architect of modern India's economic reforms, also championed environmental conservation and climate action during his decade-long tenure as prime minister (2004–2014). Under his leadership, India launched the National Action Plan on Climate Change, passed the landmark Forest Rights Act (FRA) to protect the rights of tribal communities, and established the National Green Tribunal to safeguard the environment through swift legal action.

For centuries, India's tribal communities were sidelined from decisions about their own land. The UPA-1 government under Singh flipped that script.

His government passed the Forest Rights Act in 2006, handing back control of forests to the people who lived in and protected them.

Around 25 lakh land titles, including over 23.7 lakh individual titles, have been granted so far to Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers under the FRA.

In July 2008, Singh urged all chief ministers to act swiftly to grant tribals their rights over forest land.

One of the greatest public leaders, and former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh is no more. He passed away at AIIMS today where he was admitted in the evening. It was truly an honour to work with him as Director, Prime Minister’s Office and a Spokesperson to the Prime Minister.

A true statesman and a change leader, who transformed India from the brink of economic collapse, to the true economic power house that India is today. While he is known for economic reforms, his contributions in uplifting the poor through a number of social policies are his greatest contribution. And his role in uplifting Science and technology remains lesser known, but that will have lasting impact. During my tenure in PMO, I remember we were given clear direction- to think about the common man, and only about the nation, while making decisions. A huge personal loss for me and huge national loss for India. It was truly a blessing to work with and to be a Spokesperson to the clean, gentle and sharp mind of our times. To remain humble, while being in the powerful position is something that made him different from other public leaders. I am truly grateful to him for turning many of my policy ideas into legislations and to make use of it to transform millions of lives. Thank you, dear Sir, for your service to humanity and our beloved nation. The passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh is a huge loss for all of us in India and the world. I have witnessed many world leaders, seeking his guidance to put their economies in order. But he never boasted about it publicly and thus he was not only instrumental in India's progress, but also in transforming many countries and their citizens.

My pranams, to the one and only Dr. Manmohan Singh. Thank you for showing me the path of integrity, commitment to the nation and public policy. I was truly fortunate to work for a Prime Minister like you.
Sir, May your soul rest in Peace !

Dr. Binoy Job,
Former Director, PMO & Spokesperson to the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh

Former Maldivian President Abdulla Shahid expressed his condolence on the demise of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Thursday.

Former President Shahid shared how Dr Singh's wisdom and knowledge greatly benefitted him and recalled the long association with him.

In a post on X, Shahid said, "Deeply saddened to hear of the demise of former Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh. I fondly recall his visit to the Maldives in 2011, where I, as then Speaker of Parliament, invited him to address a sitting of the Majlis - the first Head of State/Government to do so. I also recall our interactions during my first tenure as Foreign Minister in 2007. I greatly benefited from his wisdom and knowledge. He was always a friend of the Maldives. May he rest in peace, and may his family and loved ones be comforted by the lasting legacy he leaves. My deepest condolences to the people and Government of India on this loss."

American diplomat and President of the US-India Business Council (USIBC), Atul Keshap, expressed condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.

In his tribute, Keshap hailed Dr Singh as the architect of the modern bilateral relationship between India and the United States.

In a post on X, Keshap noted that Manmohan Singh played a key role in elevating ties between the two nations. "Heartfelt condolences to the family of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji and to the people of India on his passing. Prime Minister Singh played a key role in elevating U.S. - India ties and modernizing the relationship, and embarking both democracies on a steady path of strategic, economic, and technological convergence," Keshap wrote.

He further added, "Through his sustained leadership in achieving the transformative agreement on civilian nuclear energy cooperation, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was rightly regarded as an architect of the modern bilateral relationship. He will be remembered by many in America with honor and fondness for his gentle and clear leadership. May his noble soul rest in peace."