Amid a wave of national mourning for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, two tribals from Odisha’s Koraput district offered a heartfelt tribute, cherishing memories of their brief yet impactful interaction with the late leader.

Raila Muduli of Boliguda village and Chandra Pradhani of Nuaguda, honored by Singh in 2012 for their commendable contributions to biodiversity conservation, recalled their encounter with the revered statesman. “His smile and words will remain unforgettable,” said Muduli.

Pradhani echoed the sentiment, describing Singh as a leader of unparalleled humility. “It’s difficult to put our grief into words. Meeting him was the most memorable moment of my life,” he said.

Singh, who passed away at 92 on Thursday night at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, had recognized the duo’s efforts during an award ceremony, leaving a lasting impression on their lives.

The tribals’ tribute stands as a testament to Singh’s ability to connect with people across diverse backgrounds, underscoring his legacy as a compassionate and visionary leader.

As the nation bids farewell, these two voices from the hinterlands of Odisha remind us of the enduring impact of Singh’s leadership, both on a national and personal scale.