Former Prime Minister of the country, Dr. Manmohan Singh is no longer among us. At the age of 92 he said goodbye to the world. Emotional tributes are being expressed from all over the country on his death. Yogi government minister and former police officer Aseem Arun also paid tribute to him and shared an anecdote from the moments spent with him.
Aseem Arun’s touching post
Asim Arun, who once headed Dr Manmohan Singh’s Close Protection Team (CPT) as an SPG security officer, exemplified his simplicity on social media platform X.
Memories shared in the post:
Asim Arun wrote:
“I had the privilege of being Dr. Manmohan Singh’s bodyguard for about three years from 2004. As AIG CPT, it was my responsibility to be with the Prime Minister at all times. Had to live with him like his ‘shadow’.
“He had a Maruti 800 of his own, which used to flash behind the BMW cars parked at the Prime Minister’s residence. He often used to say, ‘Asim, I like driving in this car. This is my car. I would explain to them that it is necessary to use BMW for safety reasons, but they would get emotional seeing Maruti. As if reminding himself that he is an ordinary middle class person and it is his duty to understand the problems of the common man.”
1996 Maruti 800: The epitome of simplicity
According to media reports, Dr. Manmohan Singh had a 1996 model Maruti 800. This car was recorded in his property list and was a symbol of his simplicity and thoughtfulness.
Maruti 800: An iconic car
- Engine: 796cc petrol engine, which supported LPG.
- Mileage: 14-16.1 km/l.
- Launch: First launched in India on 14 December 1983.
- Starting price: ₹48,000 (on-road ₹52,500).
- Design: Length 3335mm, Width 1440mm, Wheelbase 2175mm.
The car was India’s first front-wheel drive vehicle and proved to be a revolutionary product in the Indian market.
Maruti 800: Interesting Facts and History
- Suzuki and Maruti collaboration:
The Maruti 800 was the result of a collaboration between Japan’s Suzuki company and the Government of India. - Thinking of Nehru era:
In 1959, Manubhai Shah, a minister in the Nehru cabinet, came up with the idea of an affordable and small car, which was realized in 1983. - Delivery of first car:
The first Maruti 800 was delivered to Harpal Singh of Delhi, who was selected from a lottery draw. This car was handed over to him by the then Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi. - Iconic Speed:
The top speed of Maruti 800 was 144 km/h. - Celebrities’ attachment:
- Sachin Tendulkar and Shahrukh Khan’s first car was Maruti 800.
- Popularity in Pakistan:
It was sold in Pakistan under the name Suzuki Mehran and became the most stolen car there. - End of production:
Maruti 800 production was discontinued in 2014, but it still remains a milestone in Indian automobile history.
Dr. Manmohan Singh and his Maruti 800: An example of simplicity
Dr. Manmohan Singh did not have just one car, the Maruti 800; It symbolized his simplicity and his middle class roots. Even while being the Prime Minister, he never forgot his personal values and always remembered his responsibility towards the common man.
With his demise, the country lost not only an able leader but also a living example of simplicity and morality. His memories and the life lessons he taught us will always remain in our hearts.
