Nation Mourns the Loss of Dr. Manmohan Singh as Tributes Pour in

The nation is enveloped in grief following the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, a leader whose legacy continues to resonate deeply across the country. Among those paying heartfelt tributes is Hemprabha Saikia, the wife of former Assam Chief Minister Hiteswar Saikia, who shared her personal connection with the late statesman.

Hemprabha Saikia fondly recalled Dr. Singh’s simplicity and warmth, recounting how he once personally prepared and served her a meal, a gesture that underscored the deep bond they shared. During his years in Assam, Dr. Singh embraced the local culture and culinary traditions, learning them directly from Hemprabha herself. His connection to Assam is etched in history, with Dr. Singh residing in a modest rented house in Guwahati from 1991, paying a monthly rent of ₹700. The house, a testament to his humility, was where he lived before rising to the highest office in the country. His last visit to this home, steeped in nostalgia, was in 2014.

Reflecting on her late husband’s influence on Dr. Singh’s political journey, Hemprabha Saikia credited Hiteswar Saikia for mentoring him and guiding his entry into active politics. Speaking to reporters, she expressed the profound sense of loss felt by her family. “Although he moved out of the rented house after his tenure as Prime Minister ended, he remained close to us. When Tarun Gogoi was the Chief Minister, Dr. Singh visited Guwahati to cast his vote and came to see us with his family. We shared many beautiful moments, had meals together, and took photographs. He was like family to me during my husband’s time as Chief Minister. Despite many attempts by others to convince him to leave our house for a more luxurious one, he chose to remain grounded and stayed with us as a tenant.”

Hemprabha Saikia, herself a prominent political figure, has contributed significantly to Assam’s development. She served as the Minister of Handloom and Textiles from 2001 to 2006 and represented the Nazira constituency in the Assam Legislative Assembly for a decade. Her son, Debabrata Saikia, continues the family’s political legacy as the Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Assembly.

Meanwhile, leaders from across the political spectrum and citizens from all walks of life have joined in paying their respects to Dr. Singh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the late leader’s residence to offer condolences to his family, describing Dr. Singh as a “towering figure in Indian politics.” Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid homage, underscoring the loss felt by the nation.

Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, were among the first to visit Dr. Singh’s residence in Delhi to pay their respects. Their presence marked the beginning of a nationwide outpouring of grief for a leader remembered not only for his contributions to India’s economic transformation but also for his unparalleled humility and integrity.

Dr. Singh’s passing leaves behind a void that will be difficult to fill. As the nation reflects on his remarkable life and legacy, his enduring impact on India’s growth and governance continues to inspire admiration and respect.