MANSI BHAMBRI | DEHRADUN
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had a deep emotional connection with Dehradun city. His nephew Amarjot Singh Kohli said this following Singh’s demise at the age of 92.
Kohli expressed grief over Singh’s demise and elaborated on Singh’s ties to Dehradun. He said that Singh was emotionally connected to the city because his cousin, brother and uncle lived there. Singh would often visit Dehradun to meet family. Additionally, he attended various programmes at the Himalayan Hospital, where he had a good friendship with the hospital’s founder, Swami Ram. As a result, Singh frequently visited the hospital, participated in their events and helped provide advanced equipment.
Kohli noted that Singh’s last visit to Dehradun was for the funeral of his uncle, Harbjan Singh Kohli. Additionally, he said that Singh was very connected to his aunt, Ramdutti Kaur, who raised him after the early demise of his mother. He added that Singh preferred to meet the family at the hospital rather than in the city centre to avoid publicity and the need for security guards, which he did not like.
Kohli also shared that Singh had migrated from present day Pakistan. He was very fond of education and always encouraged his nephew to prioritise learning. He had undergone three bypass surgeries throughout his life. Kohli emphasised that Singh would be remembered for his vision, patriotism and simplicity.
