Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Passes Away at 92
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has sadly passed away at the age of 92, as confirmed in a statement from AIIMS Delhi on Thursday night. He was admitted to the emergency department earlier that day after a sudden loss of consciousness at his home.
The hospital’s press release expressed their sorrow, stating, "With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, aged 92. He was being treated for age-related health issues and lost consciousness at home on December 26, 2024. Immediate resuscitation efforts were started, and he was brought to the Medical Emergency at AIIMS, New Delhi, at 8:06 PM. Unfortunately, despite all efforts, he could not be saved and was declared dead at 9:51 PM."
Manmohan Singh, a prominent leader of the Congress party, had recently stepped down from the Rajya Sabha after a remarkable 33 years of service. His passing has touched many, including current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who shared his condolences, calling Singh "one of India’s most distinguished leaders" and a "respected economist." Modi also posted heartfelt pictures with Singh, highlighting their time together.
Many other Congress leaders, such as party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, have also paid tribute to Singh, mourning the loss of their esteemed colleague.
Born in Punjab in 1932, Singh served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014. He took office after the Congress party won the Lok Sabha elections in 2004, defeating the NDA coalition led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He served a second term from 2009 until 2014, after which he was succeeded by Modi.
Key Facts About Manmohan Singh:
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Manmohan Singh was India’s 14th Prime Minister, well-known for his intelligence, hard work, and humble nature.
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Born on September 26, 1932, in Punjab, he graduated with First-Class Honours in Economics from Cambridge in 1957 and earned a D. Phil from Oxford in 1962.
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He was married to Gursharan Kaur and had three daughters, representing a life of humility and dedication.
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His 1964 book, India’s Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth, analyzed India’s trade policies at that time.
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Singh had a rich academic career, teaching at Punjab University and the Delhi School of Economics, and held significant roles at UNCTAD and as Secretary-General of the South Commission in Geneva.
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He began his government career as Economic Advisor in the Commerce Ministry in 1971 and held various key positions, including Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996, where he led major economic reforms that transformed India’s economy.
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Over the years, Singh received many honors, including the Padma Vibhushan in 1987 and several "Finance Minister of the Year" awards.
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He represented India at various international events, including the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 1993 and the World Conference on Human Rights in the same year.
- Singh served in the Rajya Sabha from 1991 and was the Leader of the Opposition from 1998 to 2004 before becoming Prime Minister.
His remarkable contributions to India’s economy and governance will not be forgotten, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
