Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh cremated with state honors By Reuters

By Nidhi Verma

NEW DELHI (Reuters) – The physique of Manmohan Singh, the previous Indian prime minister whose demise sparked waves of grief at residence and accolades overseas, was cremated on the banks of the Yamuna River in New Delhi with full state honors.

The funeral was held in Sikh custom as clergymen sang hymns, after Singh’s physique, draped within the Indian flag, was carried by the capital on a flower-bedecked horse-drawn carriage pulled by a ceremonial army truck.

The flag was eliminated and the physique coated with saffron material earlier than being positioned on the pyre.

Since Singh’s demise on Thursday on the age of 92, many have echoed his remark in the direction of the tip of his 10-year reign that “historical past will probably be kinder to me than the modern media”.

He was referring to a notion of weak management as he led a coalition authorities going through widespread accusations of corruption, which was voted out of workplace within the 2014 elections gained by his successor Narendra Modi.

Modi, who known as Singh “one of the crucial distinguished leaders” of the nation after his demise, attended the funeral, alongside President Droupadi Murmu and representatives from varied nations. The Modi authorities has determined to allot land for Singh’s memorial.

Singh, thought-about the architect of India’s financial liberalization, had criticized Modi’s financial insurance policies resembling demonetization and the introduction of a items and companies tax.

Singh is survived by his spouse and three daughters.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi accompanied Singh’s household within the truck to the cremation floor at Nigambodh Ghat after the procession from the occasion headquarters in New Delhi, the place folks joined Congress occasion leaders and members to pay him a ultimate tribute.

The leaders of america, Canada, France, Sri Lanka, China and Pakistan have been amongst those that expressed disappointment over Singh’s demise and highlighted his worldwide contributions.