India: Former Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh breathed his last on 26 December 2024. He was 92 and was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences after health related complications.
Singh was the 13th Prime Minister of India, during the Congress party led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) from 2004 to 2014.
Before being the first Sikh Prime Minister of India, Singh held many coveted governmental posts and mostly got elected as a public representative in the Upper House from the state of Assam. He is also well-known as the chief architect of the economic liberalization in India when he was the Finance Minister between 1991 to 1996.
Apart from being one of the most scholarly prime ministers, he exemplified humility and gentleness as a political leader, and often stood in contrast to combative and shrewd nature of politicians in general.
Figures from across the political field have voiced their heartfelt sorrow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated in social media that Singh had left a strong imprint on India’s economic policy over the years, and made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives.
Likewise, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi said that Singh led the country with immense wisdom and integrity, and his humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the nation.
Also Read: Icon of Indian realistic cinema, Shyam Benegal, no more
Also Read: Legendary Indian tabla player Zakir Hussain passes away
Also Read: Meta Meltdown: Why did Facebook, Insta, WhatsApp go dark?
Also Read: The AI deepfake crisis should be crushed early, UK to criminalize deepfakes
Also Read: Teenagers banned from using social media in Australia