Thousands Pay Homage to Dr. Manmohan Singh
Family Grateful to Attendees: Upinder Kaur
Political, Social, and Religious Leaders Offer Tributes
Decisions in Dr. Singh's Name Announced by Delhi Gurdwara Committee: Harmeet Singh Kalka, Jagdeep Singh Kahlan
New Delhi, January 3, 2025: A tribute ceremony and final prayers for former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh were held today at Bhai Lakhi Shah Vanjara Hall in the Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib Complex. Thousands of people, including leaders from various political parties, social and religious organizations, gathered to honor the late leader.
The family expressed gratitude for the overwhelming attendance while urging attendees to refrain from exaggerating Dr. Singh’s greatness, emphasizing that his work alone is his identity. They noted that his contributions have been lauded by global leaders, including presidents and prime ministers from the U.S., France, and the U.K.
Dr. Singh's eldest daughter, Dr. Upinder Kaur, extended heartfelt thanks to the gathering. She highlighted the soulful hymns performed by Bhai Harjinder Singh Srinagar Wale, which reminded her of Dr. Singh’s parents, Mata Amrit Kaur and Sardar Gurmukh Singh. She expressed the family's pride in the large turnout for the ceremony.
Announcements by the Delhi Gurdwara Committee
Delhi Gurdwara Committee President Sardar Harmeet Singh Kalka and General Secretary Sardar Jagdeep Singh Kahlan announced several initiatives to honor Dr. Singh’s legacy. These include:
- Scholarships in Dr. Manmohan Singh’s name for students excelling in economics across the Committee’s four colleges.
- Naming any new educational institutions after Dr. Singh.
- Displaying Dr. Singh’s portrait in all Committee institutions.
- Observing December 26 annually at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in his memory.
The final prayer was performed by Giani Ranjit Singh, the chief Granthi of Gurdwara Bangla Sahib.
Tributes and Attendance
The Delhi Gurdwara Committee also presented ceremonial honors (siropas) to Dr. Singh’s wife, Bibi Gursharan Kaur, on behalf of its leaders, including former president Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa. Condolence messages were received from Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Sri Patna Sahib.
The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, Rajya Sabha Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge, former Planning Commission Chairman Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Minorities Commission Chairman Sardar Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Punjab Congress President Sardar Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, and former Delhi Committee President Sardar Paramjit Singh Sarna. Other political, religious, social, and educational leaders also paid their respects.