New Delhi, Dec 27: Calling former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh her "friend, philosopher and guide," Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Friday mourned the death of former PM and said that he was 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," Sonia Gandhi stated.
She said Manmohan Singh was loved by the people of India because of his "pure heart and mind."
"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 added.
Sonia Gandhi said Manmohan Singh's death was a "deeply personal loss" for her.
"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. He leaves a void in our national life that can never be filled," she said.
Sonia Gandhi said that 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."
