PIONEER NEWS SERVICE
The mortal remains of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh-hailed as the Architect of India’s economic reforms- were consigned to flames at the Nigambodh Ghat with state honours amid the chanting of religious hymns. His eldest daughter Upinder Singh lit the funeral pyre. Among the dignitaries present were the President Droupadi Murmu, the vice-president Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Leaders of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi attended the cremation. Several foreign dignitaries, including the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Mauritius foreign minister Dhananjay Ramful were present. Further, the Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and the three services chiefs paid their last respects to the departed.
The cortege carrying Singh’s mortal remains draped in the Tricolour reached the crematorium at around 11.30 from the AICC headquarters after Congress leaders had paid homage to their departed leader.
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A seven-day national mourning is being observed throughout the country as a mark of respect to the former Prime Minister.
