A heartfelt tribute to India’s former Prime Minister, the late Manmohan Singh, took place at a special prayer meeting on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Royal Albert’s Palace in New Jersey. The event, organized by the New Jersey Chapter of the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) and the Indo-American Cultural Society USA, Inc., brought together over 500 attendees, including community leaders, local and federal officials, and prominent IOC members, to commemorate the life and contributions of a leader often hailed as the architect of modern India’s economy.
The gathering featured distinguished IOC leaders from the United States and India. Among those present were IOC National Vice President John Joseph, Karnataka President Rajiv Gowda, Punjab President Gurmeet Singh Gill, Telangana President Rajeshwar Reddy, and Andhra Pradesh President Sriniwasarao Bhimineni. Additional greetings were extended by IOC Joint Secretary Arjumand Juveria, General Secretary Harbachan Singh, and Pomposh Sheikh, who shared personal recollections of Singh. IOC National President Mohinder Singh Gilzian and NJ Chapter Vice Presidents Anil Patel, Mahesh Patel, and Manmit Singh Vasdev were also in attendance.
The event commenced with a poignant video message from Sam Pitroda, President of IOC Global and USA. Pitroda paid tribute to Singh’s transformative impact on India’s economy and governance. Video clips featuring interviews with Singh conducted by renowned Indian journalists, including Punya Prasun Vajpai, Ashok Vankhede, and Abhisar Sharma, highlighted the former Prime Minister’s visionary leadership.
Speakers reflected on Singh’s enduring legacy, emphasizing his pivotal role in reshaping India through groundbreaking economic reforms. Pradeep Peter Kothari, President of the Indo-American Cultural Society USA, and Pardip Samala, IOC Working President, spoke of Singh’s leadership and his impact on the nation. North Brunswick Council Member Rajesh Mehta and Woodbridge Township Council Member Viru Patel, along with former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey, NJ Senator Owen Henry, and community leader Upendra Chirukula, shared their perspectives on Singh’s achievements.
Jim McGreevey, a former New Jersey Governor, described Singh as a “Gentle Giant.” He highlighted how former U.S. President Barack Obama, in his memoir A Promised Land, praised Singh as “wise, thoughtful, and scrupulously honest.” McGreevey remarked, “Singh understood the critical importance of economic reforms and drafted what economists consider one of the most radical budgets in India’s history in 1991.” He credited Singh with initiating India’s economic transformation, enabling it to emerge as a global economic power.
Woodbridge Township Council Member Viru Patel applauded Singh’s role in fostering cooperation among nations of the global south, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Korea. Patel stated, “Through South-South cooperation, Singh laid the groundwork for a dynamic and vigorous global economy.”
Community leader Upendra Chirukula emphasized Singh’s visionary approach, citing his efforts to dismantle the License Raj, combat corruption, and revive India’s economy. “He made life significantly better for the people of India. Singh’s legacy should be celebrated, not mourned,” Chirukula affirmed.
Kothari commended Singh for his tenure as an economist, Reserve Bank of India chairman, Finance Minister, and Prime Minister. He stated, “This prayer meeting is a sincere effort to honor Singh’s decade of service to the world.” Rajesh Mehta echoed this sentiment, describing Singh as “one of India’s finest Prime Ministers.”
NJ Senator Owen Henry expressed deep admiration for Singh, noting, “I will pray to him every day for strength and courage to make tough decisions as he did for India.” Drawing a parallel with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Henry remarked, “Singh and Carter are shining examples of how we can make the world a better place.”
The event concluded with a moving rendition of India’s national anthem, followed by prayers and bhajans. A vote of thanks was delivered by Kothari and Mukesh Kashiwala, who expressed gratitude to the organizing committee members of the IOC and the Indo-American Cultural Society USA for their efforts in creating a fitting tribute.
Manmohan Singh’s legacy as a statesman, economist, and leader continues to inspire millions. This memorial served as a testament to his profound impact on India and the world, celebrating a life dedicated to the service of humanity.