The story behind Dr. Manmohan Singh’s famous blue turban  

Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, 92, passed away at Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Thursday. According to a statement from the hospital, the Congress veteran was receiving treatment for age-related ailments and experienced a “sudden loss of consciousness at home.”

“Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9.51pm,” the statement read. Singh served as Prime Minister for two terms from 2004 to 2014 in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA).

Regarded as the creator of the contemporary Indian economy, Manmohan Singh was frequently questioned about his choice of colour while wearing a blue turban. The former prime minister had disclosed the meaning behind his famous turbans in a speech.

Singh disclosed that the blue turban was a reference to the University of Cambridge, his alma mater. Speaking at the 2006 Doctor of Law ceremony, Singh said that light blue is one of his favourite hues and a remembrance of his special time at Cambridge. Singh’s characteristic blue turban was highlighted by Prince Philip at the event, which was held in front of a sizable audience of admirers.

The Duke said, “Look at the colour of his turban,” to the cheers of the assembled audience. At this point, Singh revealed a personal association with the colour, saying that light blue is one of his favourite shades and has frequently been used to adorn his head over the years. Singh grinned and remarked, “Blue is one of my favourites and is frequently seen on my head,” alluding to his love for the colour.

The former prime minister went on to consider how his professors at Cambridge had lovingly referred to him as the “blue turban.” Singh said that he learnt the virtues of intellectual curiosity, open-mindedness, and fearlessness from his Cambridge professors and other students.

He notably cited prominent economists that he had the honour of hanging out with while attending Cambridge, like Nicholas Kaldor, Joan Robinson, and Amartya Sen. The audience erupted in cheers as Singh finished his remarks, and he got back up to accept the honour from his cherished university.

The All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in Delhi will house the former prime minister’s body for public inspection. Singh served a unique two terms as prime minister from 2004 to 2014, making him the first Sikh to hold the position. He is regarded for having led India to unheard-of economic expansion and rescuing hundreds of millions from extreme poverty.

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