Fri Dec 27 08:37:12 UTC 2024: ## Former PM Manmohan Singh’s First Words After Surgery Showcased His Patriotism: Doctor
**New Delhi** – The late former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s unwavering patriotism was evident even during his most vulnerable moments, according to Dr. Ramakant Panda, the senior cardiac surgeon who performed his life-saving coronary bypass surgery in 2009. Dr. Panda revealed that Dr. Singh’s first words after the 10-11 hour procedure at AIIMS were not about his own health, but inquiries about the state of the nation and Kashmir.
“After we finished the surgery, when he could first speak, his first question was, ‘How is my country? How is Kashmir?'” Dr. Panda recounted to NDTV. He added that Dr. Singh, then Prime Minister, expressed no concern about his own post-operative condition, stating his confidence in Dr. Panda’s surgical expertise. “He said he wasn’t worried about the surgery; he was more worried about his country,” Dr. Panda shared.
Dr. Panda lauded Dr. Singh’s character, describing him as “a great human being, a humble person, and a patriot,” adding that, as a patient, he was the ideal. He noted Dr. Singh’s remarkable resilience and lack of complaints following the surgery, even foregoing customary post-operative expressions of pain. Dr. Panda also highlighted Dr. Singh’s strong integrity and unwavering resolve.
Dr. Singh, who passed away Thursday night at the age of 92 due to age-related complications, served two terms as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014. His death prompted a seven-day state mourning period, with the national flag flown at half-mast across India and all government programs for Friday cancelled. His last rites will be conducted with full state honours.
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