Dr Manmohan Singh, India’s former Prime Minister and one of the country’s most respected statesmen, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. Known for his calm demeanor, intelligence, and humility, Singh had been in poor health for several months. While Dr Singh held one of the highest offices in the country, his modest lifestyle never changed. Even as prime minister, he preferred his humble Maruti Suzuki 800 over the luxury vehicles provided for his official duties. This choice reflected his connection to the middle class and his dedication to serving ordinary citizens. His final rites will take place on Saturday, according to party officials.

Arun Asim, a former Indian Police Service officer who served as Singh’s chief protection officer in the Special Protection Group (SPG), shared insights into the late leader’s personality. Now an MLA from Uttar Pradesh’s Kannauj Sadar constituency, Asim recounted his experiences with Dr Singh, highlighting his simplicity and grounded nature.

“Dr Singh owned just one car—a Maruti Suzuki 800. At the prime minister’s residence, it was always parked behind the official black BMW,” Asim recalled. “He would often point to it and say, ‘This is my car.’”

Asim shared that Singh often expressed discomfort with the high-end BMW provided for security reasons. “He told me, ‘Asim, I don’t like travelling in this car. My car is the Maruti.’ It was as though he saw the Maruti as a symbol of his identity as a middle-class man and his commitment to ordinary people,” Asim added.

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He also remembered Dr Singh’s words: “Asim, I don’t like travelling in this car (BMW). My car is the Maruti.”

One particular anecdote captured Dr Singh’s unpretentious nature. Despite the high-security requirements and advanced features of the BMW, Singh’s attachment to his Maruti Suzuki 800 never wavered. “Whenever the motorcade passed by his Maruti, his gaze would turn toward it. It was as if he was reaffirming his identity as a middle-class man and his dedication to the common man,” Asim shared.

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Born in Punjab, Singh led the country as Prime Minister for two consecutive terms from 2004 to 2014. His leadership during this period saw India achieve significant economic growth and global recognition. Messages of condolence have poured in from across India and the world, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying tribute to Singh and expressing his sorrow over his passing.