Former Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh Died At 92; From PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi, To Gautam Adani Pay Tribute

Former Prime Minister of India and renowned economist, Dr Manmohan Singj passed away at the age of 92, in the late hours of Thursday, December 26. Singh was admitted to AIIMS Delhi, where he took his last breath. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared condolences to the former PM's family while citing Singh as one of "India's most distinguished leaders". There is likely a seven-day national mourning to pay tribute to Singh. From PM Modi, President and Vice President of India, Rahul Gandhi to leading businessmen like Gautam Adani have shared a statement, highlighting the great works of Singh.

Singh was battling issues related to heart disease and his old age. He had reportedly collapsed earlier at his home, before being rushed to the emergency department of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi on December 26. Later that day, he was declared dead. Born on September 26, 1932, before the independence of India, Singh died at 92 years of age.

Here's how key leaders and businessmen reacted to Singh's demise.

Taking to his X handler, PM Modi said, "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 also reminisced about the time when he interacted Dr Manmohan Singh when he was the chief minister of Gujarat. Modi said Dr Manmohan Singh's wisdom and humility were always visible.

Rahul Gandhi whose political party, Dr Manmohan Singh was part of and served as PM during his mother Sonia Gandhi's leadership on Congress Party, also gave his heartfelt condolences. Gandhi said, "Manmohan Singh Ji led India with immense wisdom and integrity. His humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the nation."

The President Of India, Draupadi Murmu said, the passing of Dr Manmohan Singh is a great loss to all of us. She added, "In his various roles in public offices, he made critical contributions to reforming the Indian economy. He will always be remembered for his service to the nation, his unblemished political life and his utmost humility."

Meanwhile, Vice President Of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar also paid his tribute to the demise of Manmohan Singh. Dhankhar said, "A Padma Vibhushan awardee and architect of India's economic liberalisation in 1991, he boldly steered our nation through a critical transition, opening new pathways for growth and prosperity." Adding, "His legacy will forever guide Bharat's growth trajectory."

Also, Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah said, "From being the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India to the Finance Minister of the country and as the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh played an important role in the governance of the country. I express my condolences to his family and supporters in this hour of grief. "

Other leaders such as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda have also issued statements praising Singh and his leadership after his death.

India's billionaire, Gautam Adani who owns one of the largest port-to-power conglomerates Adani Group, said, "A rare leader who spoke softly but achieved monumental strides through his actions, Dr Singh's life remains a masterclass in leadership, humility and service to the nation and will inspire generations to come."

Further, the chairman of RPG Enterprises, Harsh Goenka said, "An architect of economic reforms, he shaped modern India with intellect, grace, and integrity. A leader who lets actions speak louder than words. RIP."

Singh was an Indian politician, economist, academic, and bureaucrat, who served as the 13th prime minister of India from 2004 to 2014. He was the fourth longest-serving prime minister after Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Narendra Modi. A member of the Indian National Congress, Singh was the first Sikh prime minister of India. He was also the first prime minister since Jawaharlal Nehru to be re-elected after completing a full five-year term, as per Wikipedia.