President Murmu, PM Modi, and World Leaders Pay Respects
Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh was given a state funeral with full military honors at Delhi’s Nigambodh Ghat crematorium on Saturday, December 28, 2024. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other senior political leaders paid their last respects to the veteran leader. International dignitaries, including Bhutan’s King and the Foreign Minister of Mauritius, also attended to honor Dr. Singh’s legacy.
Final Journey
Dr. Singh’s final journey began from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters earlier that morning. Congress leaders, workers, and supporters gathered to pay homage to the former Prime Minister. The flower-decked vehicle carrying Dr. Singh’s mortal remains departed the headquarters amidst emotional slogans such as “Manmohan Singh amar rahe” (Manmohan Singh will live forever) and “Jab tak suraj chand rahega, tab tak tera naam rahega” (As long as the sun and moon exist, your name will endure).
The procession saw a massive turnout, with Congress leaders like Rahul Gandhi walking alongside Dr. Singh’s family and supporters as a mark of respect.
Tributes at AICC Headquarters
The mortal remains of Dr. Singh were kept at the AICC headquarters for an hour before the funeral procession. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other senior leaders offered their condolences. Dr. Singh’s wife, Gursharan Kaur, and one of his daughters laid wreaths in a solemn farewell to India’s first Sikh Prime Minister.
Controversy Over Funeral Venue
The Congress party raised concerns over the choice of the cremation venue, accusing the government of denying Dr. Singh the honor of a designated memorial site. The party labeled the decision a “deliberate insult,” emphasizing the need for a permanent tribute to his historic contributions to the nation.
