Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tribute to former PM Manmohan Singh who passed away last night. Manmohan Singh was India’s 14 Prime Ministers and one of the most respected economists. 

Remembering the former Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in a video message said that Manmohan Singh’s contribution to the development of India will always be remembered. He added that Dr Singh’s life was a reflection of his honesty and simplicity. He was a distinguished parliamentarian, and his life will always be a lesson on how a person can attain success by rising above deprivation and struggle, the Prime Minister continued. 

He said that the former Prime Minister will always be remembered as an honest man, a great economist and a leader who dedicated himself to reforms. He mentioned that as an economist, Manmohan Singh, provided a lot of service to the nation. During a challenging time, he served as RBI Governor and when he was Finance Minister in PM PV Narasimha Rao’s cabinet, he gave the country that was reeling under economic crisis, a new direction in terms of economy, Narendra Modi mentioned. 

PM Modi also recalled Singh’s life journey after his family migration to India, leaving behind everything following Partition. He continued that his life will always serve as a lesson for future generations on how someone can rise above deprivation and struggles to attain the heights of success. He further highlighted that despite being educated at the world’s prestigious institutes and occupying leading positions, the former Prime Minister and Congress leader never forgot the values of his normal background. 

PM Narendra Modi also visited Manmohan Singh’s residence to pay his respects. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda also visited Singh’s residence. Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Rahul Gandhi also visited ex-PM’s residence to pay their tribute. 

Furthermore,  India will observe a seven-day mourning period, with government events cancelled today. The Congress party has also announced a seven-day mourning period, postponing celebrations for its founding day.

Reportedly, the funeral will take place on Saturday, and arrangements will be made for Manmohan Singh’s final resting place near Raj Ghat, the resting place of Mahatma Gandhi. The public viewing of Singh’s body will begin on Saturday at the Congress headquarters. 

In a moment of national sorrow, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has passed away at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions. The announcement was made by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, where Singh had been receiving treatment in recent days.

According to the statement released by AIIMS, Singh was found unconscious at his residence earlier today, December 26, 2024. “He was promptly administered resuscitative measures at home and brought to the AIIMS medical emergency at 8:06 pm,” the statement said. Despite all efforts to revive him, he was declared dead at 9:51 pm.

Manmohan Singh, who served as the Prime Minister of India for two consecutive terms from 2004 to 2014, was a towering figure in Indian politics. His tenure is marked by his leadership in the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. He was widely recognized for his calm and intellectual approach to governance, though it was his role as Finance Minister in the early 1990s that cemented his legacy as one of India’s most influential political figures.

Singh’s role in the landmark economic reforms of 1991, which included liberalizing India’s economy, reducing trade barriers, and opening the doors to foreign investment, is often credited with saving the country from economic collapse. These reforms transformed India’s economic landscape, setting the stage for its rapid growth in the subsequent decades.

In the wake of his passing, tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Sonia Gandhi arrived at AIIMS soon after the news of Singh’s hospitalization became known. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and party MP Rahul Gandhi, currently in Belagavi for a Congress Working Committee meeting, are en route back to Delhi, according to reports.

Singh’s death marks the end of an era in Indian politics. He is survived by his wife, Gurcharan Singh, and their three daughters. Known for his humble and dignified nature, Singh’s contributions to India’s economic transformation will continue to resonate for generations to come.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emphasised the importance of adapting to the rapidly evolving world, noting that emerging needs, expectations, and future directions underscore the necessity for a modern approach in equipping young people with skills in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning.

He acknowledged the significant contribution of youth energy to India’s advancement and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to nurturing young talent and boosting their self-confidence.

In his remarks during the ‘Veer Baal Diwas’ celebrations, Modi stated, “This era has moved beyond machines to machine learning. AI is taking centre stage, and we can see its application replacing conventional software. It is essential to make our youth future ready to tackle these challenges.” The observance of ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ honors the courage and sacrifices of Guru Gobind Singh’s four sons, esteemed figures in Sikhism.

The Prime Minister outlined that the government’s policies are focused on youth, encompassing various sectors, including the startup ecosystem, space economy, sports and fitness, fintech, manufacturing, skill development, and internship programs.

He highlighted that the new National Education Policy is designed to modernize education, facilitating expansive learning opportunities.

Additionally, Modi announced the launch of the ‘Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan,’ aimed at fostering healthy competition among village panchayats to eliminate malnutrition, thus laying the groundwork for a developed India. He encouraged the youth to excel in their respective fields, whether in railways, semiconductors, travel, or astronomy.

The Prime Minister highlighted that youth power is at the forefront of driving revolutions across various fields, including startups, science, sports, and entrepreneurship. He emphasised that all government policies—whether related to the startup ecosystem, the future of the space economy, the sports and fitness sector, fintech and manufacturing industries, or skill development and internship programs—are designed with a youth-centric focus to benefit young people.

During the Veer Bal Diwas ceremony, Modi paid tribute to the “unparalleled” sacrifices of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons, the Sahibzadas, who chose “unwavering courage and faith over submission to the Mughal Empire’s oppression.” He remarked that the government established this day of remembrance to honor the bravery of the Sahibzadas, stating, “Their legacy continues to inspire.”