Manmohan Singh's last journey today

SEVEN-DAY NATIONAL MOURNING DECLARED | CREMATION WITH FULL STATE HONOURS- Tributes from across the world pour in; President, Vice-President, PM pay homage

- VINAY KUMAR

NEW DELHI: The nation is set to bid a final farewell to Manmohan Singh, the former prime minister and the architect of India's economic reforms, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. His last rites will be conducted on Saturday at Nigambodh Ghat with full State honours.

Singh's body was draped in the Tricolour and laid at his residence at 3, Motilal Nehru Road, in Lutyens' Delhi, a place that had served as his home for over a decade.

Here, a steady stream of dignitaries, political leaders, and ordinary citizens paid their respects. Among the first to arrive were President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who both expressed their heartfelt condolences. Former President Ram Nath Kovind joined the mourners later in the day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was also among the first to visit, paid tribute by

laying a wreath and described Singh's death as a "big loss" for the country. In a video message, Modi recalled Singh's journey from the hardships of Partition to becoming one of India's most respected leaders. "His life is a testament to overcoming deprivation and struggles to achieve greatness.

As Prime Minister, his contribution to India's development and progress will always be remembered," Modi said.

The Union Cabinet expressed its condolences, with a statement describing Singh as an "eminent statesman, renowned economist, and distinguished leader." In its resolution, the Cabinet underscored Singh's role in transforming India's economic Landscape. "Singh's policies of deregulation, privatisation, and foreign investment laid the foundation for India's rapid economic growth, making it one of the world's fastest-growing economies," the resolution read.