India mourns the loss of one of its most revered leaders, former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92. Known for his visionary leadership and profound contributions to the nation’s economic and social development, Dr. Singh’s death has left a void that will be hard to fill.

In a tribute to his legacy, the central government is set to declare a seven-day period of national mourning. The formal announcement is expected after a Cabinet meeting scheduled for Friday morning. During this period, the nation will reflect on his life and unparalleled service to India.

Nation Comes Together to Honour a Statesman

The central government has already issued directives to cancel all official programs scheduled for Friday as a mark of respect. Flags will be flown at half-mast across the country during the mourning period, and no celebratory events will take place.

The mood in the nation is sombre, with citizens, political leaders, and international figures expressing their grief. Schools and institutions are expected to hold condolence meetings, and many public events may begin with a moment of silence in Dr. Singh’s memory.

Congress Party Observes Mourning

Dr. Singh, a stalwart of the Congress party, was instrumental in shaping its policies during a critical period in India’s history. The party has announced that it will observe seven days of mourning, during which all planned events, including the upcoming Foundation Day celebrations on December 28, will be postponed.

“We have lost a leader who dedicated his life to building a better India. His vision, wisdom, and humility were unmatched,” said Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal in an emotional statement.

Tributes from Across the Spectrum

Leaders from all walks of life have paid heartfelt tributes to Dr. Singh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep condolences, calling him "a beacon of integrity and wisdom who guided India through significant transformations."

Congress President Sonia Gandhi described him as "a leader who led with quiet dignity and unshakable resolve," while Rahul Gandhi remembered him as "a guiding light in India’s progress."

International tributes have also poured in. UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted Dr. Singh’s global influence, calling him "an architect of reforms that shaped not only India but also inspired other nations."

A Life of Service and Vision

Born in 1932 in Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Dr. Manmohan Singh’s journey from a modest background to becoming one of the most respected economists and politicians in the world is inspiring. A scholar at heart, he earned his doctorate from Oxford University and later held prominent academic and administrative roles, including as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India and the Chief Economic Advisor to the Government.

His entry into politics as the Finance Minister in 1991 marked a turning point in India’s history. Faced with an economic crisis, Dr. Singh introduced a series of reforms that liberalized India’s economy, opened up markets, and set the stage for decades of growth. His iconic statement, “No power on Earth can stop an idea whose time has come,” still resonates as a symbol of India’s resurgence.

Dr. Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 saw the implementation of transformative policies like the Right to Information Act, MNREGA, and the Indo-US nuclear deal. Despite challenges and controversies, his focus remained on inclusive development and strengthening India’s global standing.

The Nation Prepares for Farewell

The Cabinet meeting on Friday will finalize the details of Dr. Singh’s state funeral, which is expected to take place in New Delhi. Leaders and dignitaries from across the globe are likely to attend, paying their last respects to a leader who left an indelible mark on India’s political and economic landscape.

Dr. Singh’s passing has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media, with citizens remembering his calm demeanor, humility, and unwavering commitment to the nation. Many have shared personal stories of inspiration drawn from his life, further underscoring his impact on people from all walks of life.

A Legacy to Remember

As India enters this period of mourning, it is a time to reflect on the values Dr. Singh stood for—integrity, inclusivity, and progress. His contributions to the nation, both as an economist and as a leader, will continue to guide future generations.

The seven-day mourning period is not just a tribute to his life but also a moment for the nation to come together, honouring a man who dedicated every moment of his life to the service of India. While he may no longer be with us, his legacy will endure, reminding us of the heights a nation can achieve under the leadership of visionaries like Dr. Manmohan Singh.