'Epitome of wisdom, nobility': Sonia Gandhi pays tribute to ex-PM Manmohan Singh

NEW DELHI: Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Friday paid tribute to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, describing him as "the epitome of wisdom, nobility, and humility."
"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," the ex-Congress chief said in a statement.
Expressing her condolences, she called his demise a deeply personal loss, stating that, "he was a friend, philosopher, and 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," she said in the message.
Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi. He was 92.

The veteran Congress leader served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s political and economic landscape. His distinguished political career came to an end in April this year when he retired from the Rajya Sabha.
Sonia Gandhi further remarked that Manmohan Singh was deeply loved by the people of India for his pure heart and sharp intellect. "His advice, wise counsel and views were eagerly sought and deeply valued across the political spectrum in our 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.
"He 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 added.

The party also released a statement stating that the Congress Working Committee passed a resolution expressing condolences on the demise of the former prime minister.