Secret behind Dr. Manmohan Singh's iconic blue turban

• Image Credit: Google

• Dec 27, 2024 | Parikalpita Gogoi

Digital Desk : Former Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh breathed his last on December 26 at the age of 92. Dr. Singh was taken to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Thursday night after sudden loss of consciousness at home. The last rites of Dr. Singh will be conducted on Saturday after his body is moved to the All India Congress Committee (AICC)headquarters in New Delhi.

The two time prime minister, Dr. Singh who is widely recognised as the architect of modern Indian economy and often received praise for his exceptional leadership and contributions to India's development has a story behind wearing the blue turban.

This mystery was unravelled by Dr. Singh himself in a speech in 2006. During a ceremony where he was awarded with a Doctorate of Law, the former prime minister revealed the secret.

Dr. Singh said, "The colour light blue is one of my favourites and is often seen on my head. My memories of my days in Cambridge are deep."

The moment when Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and Chancellor of Cambridge pointed to Dr. Singh's blue turban, the latter said that his friends from Cambridge University affectionately called him "Blue Turban".

From President Droupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi to other public figures, everyone came to pay their tributes to the politician. World leaders have also expressed their condolences and extended sympathies to Dr. Singh's family.

The Congress said, "At 8 am tomorrow, December 29, his mortal remains will be taken to AICC HQ and the public and Congress workers will have the opportunity to offer their tributes between 8.30 am and 9.30 am tomorrow. Dr. Singh's final journey to the heavenly abode will commence from AICC HQ to the cremation ground at 9.30 am tomorrow."