Sonia Gandhi's emotional tribute to Manmohan Singh: 'Was my friend, philosopher and guide'

CPC chairperson Sonia Gandhi and former PM Manmohan Singh (Courtesy: PTI file photo)

Congress Parliamentary Party (CPC) chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Friday penned a note remembering former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh who breathed his last in Delhi on December 26.

Referring to Singh as a beloved guiding light for the Congress party, Gandhi wrote, "In Dr Manmohan Singh's passing, we have lost a leader who was the epitome of wisdom, nobility and humility, who served our country with all his heart and mind. A luminous and beloved guiding light for the Congress party, his compassion and vision transformed and empowered the lives of millions of Indians".

Fondly remembering the former Prime Minister, Sonia Gandhi said that Manmohan Singh's death is a personal loss as he was a friend, philosopher as well as a guide.

"For me, Dr Manmohan Singh's death is a deeply personal loss. He was my friend, philosopher and guide. He was so gentle in his manner but so resolute in his deeply held convictions. His commitment to social justice, secularism and democratic values was deep and unwavering. To spend any time with him, was to come away enlightened by his knowledge and sagacity, moved by his honesty and integrity, and awed by his genuine humility," Gandhi wrote in the note which was posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Singh was loved by the people of India for his pure heart and fine mind, Gandhi said, adding that his advice, "wise counsel" and views were eagerly sought and deeply valued across the political spectrum in the country.

"Respected and admired by leaders and scholars all over the world, he was hailed as a statesman of immense wisdom and stature. Dr Manmohan Singh brought brilliance and distinction to every high office that he held. And he brought pride and honour to India," she said.

The CPC chairperson added that Manmohan Singh leaves a void in our national life that can never be filled. "We in the Congress Party, and the people of India will forever be proud and grateful that we had a leader like Dr Manmohan Singh whose contributions to India's progress and development are immeasurable," she wrote in her signed note.

Earlier in the day, Sonia Gandhi paid homage to the former PM at his residence where his mortal remains are kept for people to pay their last respects.

Dr. Manmohan Singh passed away at AIIMS in Delhi after he had a sudden loss of consciousness at home. He was admitted to the emergency department of the hospital earlier on Thursday.

Making the official announcement late on Thursday night, AIIMS said that the Congress veteran was being treated for age-related medical conditions.

"With profound grief, we inform the demise of the former Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh, aged 92. He was being treated for age-related medical conditions and had a sudden loss of consciousness at home on 26 December 2024. Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the Medical Emergency at AIIMS, New Delhi at 8:06 PM. Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9:51 PM," the statement read.