Rajasthan governor SK Singh dies

Rajasthan Governor and former foreign secretary of India, S.K. Singh, died on Tuesday. Singh, 77, was admitted in the Intensive Care unit of Gangaram Hospital since November 5. His body will be cremated in Delhi on Wednesday.

Rajasthan Governor and former foreign secretary of India, S.K. Singh, died on Tuesday.

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Singh, 77, was admitted in the Intensive Care unit of Gangaram Hospital since November 5. His body will be cremated in Delhi on Wednesday.

President Pratibha Patil and PM Manmohan Singh have condoled Singh’s passing away.

Patil described Singh as a “distinguished diplomat.” The PM said the Governor was “a very dear friend” whose wisdom, knowledge and experience helped him tide over difficult circumstances.

Singh had succeeded Patil as Rajasthan Governor, following her election as the country’s President in 2007.

Singh joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1954, and rose to the position of foreign secretary in 1989. He was India’s longest serving high commissioner to Pakistan, a post he held between 1985 and 1989.

Singh was one of the longest serving spokespersons in the Ministry of External Affairs between 1969 and 1974.

He was the country’s ambassador in five countries —Afghanistan, Jordan, Lebanon, Cyprus and Austria. Singh also served as India’s governor on the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna.

Singh was a noted television commentator and a newspaper columnist on foreign affairs.

Singh received his Bachelor’s degree in History, Hindi and Sanskrit and did M.A. in History from Agra University, from where he also completed his law degree.

He taught History at Agra University and was a visiting professor and member of the Academic Council of JNU, Delhi.
Singh is survived by his wife Manju Singh, and two sons.

Rajasthan government has declared seven day mourning in the state. The state government has declared a public holiday on Wednesday also.