The Indian government has declared a seven-day state mourning period starting December 26, 2024, in honor of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away on the same day, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced.
Dr. Singh, who served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, passes away at AIIMS Hospital in New Delhi. In tribute to his contributions, the national flag will be flown at half-mast across the country from December 26, 2024, to January 1, 2025. During this period, no official entertainment will take place, according to the government directive.
The ministry confirmed that Dr. Singh will be accorded a state funeral, with the national flag to be lowered at half-mast on the day of the funeral in all Indian missions and high commissions abroad.
The announcement, made through a wireless message to chief secretaries of all state governments and administrators of union territories, also directed that all necessary actions be taken to observe the mourning appropriately.
This period of mourning reflects the nation’s respect and gratitude towards Dr. Singh, who was instrumental in economic reforms during his tenure. His policies are credited with liberalizing the Indian economy, significantly impacting the growth trajectory of the country.
The Home Ministry has ensured wide dissemination of this directive, forwarding copies to numerous governmental bodies including the President’s Secretariat, Vice-President’s Secretariat, Prime Minister’s Office, and various other key institutions for coordinated observance of the mourning period.
