The nation is set to bid a solemn farewell to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, whose last rites will be performed with full state honors at Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi today. The cremation ceremony is scheduled for 11:45 am, marking the conclusion of the final journey of one of India’s most respected statesmen. Dr. Singh, who served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92 due to age-related ailments at AIIMS Delhi.
The final procession will begin at 9:30 am from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters, where Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, are expected to pay their tributes. The AICC office, draped in mourning, has seen a steady stream of visitors from various political parties and dignitaries expressing their condolences and honoring Dr. Singh’s legacy.
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s illustrious career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on India’s economic and political landscape. As Finance Minister under Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao in 1991, he ushered in transformative economic reforms that set India on the path of liberalization and globalization. His tenure as Prime Minister saw landmark initiatives in infrastructure, social welfare, and international diplomacy, earning him widespread respect for his integrity and statesmanship.
To ensure smooth travel during the procession and funeral, the Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory highlighting key diversion points along routes such as Raja Ram Kohli Marg, Rajghat Red Light, Signature Bridge, and Yudhister Setu. Commuters are urged to avoid these roads and use public transport to minimize congestion in the city. Traffic personnel have been deployed in large numbers to manage the anticipated crowds and ensure the procession proceeds without disruption.
As the nation prepares to say goodbye, tributes continue to pour in from across the globe, reflecting Dr. Singh’s profound influence and the deep respect he garnered during his lifetime. His contributions to the nation’s development and his quiet demeanor as a leader have left a legacy that will be remembered for generations. Today, as his mortal remains are consigned to flames, India bids farewell to a visionary leader who served with dignity, humility, and unwavering dedication.
