YEAR ENDER: Remembering the Legendary Indians We Lost in 2024 Who Will Endure in Their Legacy

New Delhi, Dec 31 (NationPress) India, a nation of 1.4 billion individuals, is rich in talent. Within this vast tapestry of humanity and diversity, a select few have risen to become legends, inspirations, and icons during their lifetimes. As we bid farewell to the year, we reflect on the remarkable Indians we lost in 2024, whose legacies will endure.

Dr. Manmohan Singh: Known as the ‘Accidental Prime Minister’ and the ‘Architect of India’s economic reforms’, this economic visionary will be fondly remembered. An alumnus of Panjab University and the University of Cambridge, he obtained his doctorate in economics from the University of Oxford.

The economic groundwork laid by this gentle figure during his tenure as a two-time Prime Minister of India under the Congress-led UPA Government was instrumental in steering Bharat out of economic turmoil and successfully navigating the 2008 global economic crisis.

Dr. Singh will be celebrated for his contributions including the National Rural Health Mission, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, the historic Indo-US Civil Nuclear Deal, the Right to Education Act, food security initiatives through the National Food Security Act, the Right to Information Act, the Land Acquisition Act, and farmer relief programs like the Agricultural Debt Waiver. While opinions about him varied during his tenure, history, his nation, and the world will remember him with respect in the years to come.

Ratan Tata: A beloved Indian business leader and the head of Tata Sons, Ratan Tata was an iconic industrialist and philanthropist who exemplified a life where profit, nation-building, and caring for the underprivileged coexisted harmoniously. Known as one of India's most distinguished bachelors, Ratan Tata became a beacon of inspiration for the youth, representing humanity, humility, and exceptional business insight.

His passing was mourned widely, symbolizing a loss felt even by stray animals, as he ensured that no furry guest left his renowned Taj hotels without a meal.

Ratan Tata introduced aspirational brands such as Tetley, Starbucks, Zara, and Jaguar Land Rover to India. True to his spirit of inclusivity, he launched the Nano car, enabling every Indian to own a vehicle with pride, ensuring family safety during travel. His vision for India’s development and commitment to philanthropy truly made him India’s Ratan.

Ustad Zakir Hussain: The renowned tabla maestro and composer will forever be cherished for his prodigious talent and charismatic presence. Acknowledged as the eldest son of the legendary tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha, Zakir took his father’s legacy to new heights, becoming globally recognized for his pioneering contributions to music and collaborations with luminaries such as Pandit Ravi Shankar, George Harrison, John McLaughlin, L Shankar, and TH Vinayakram. His iconic line for Taj tea, “Aree huzoor, wah Taj boliye,” remains etched in memory.

With four Grammy Awards to his name and national honors including the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Shree, and Padma Bhushan, Ustad Zakir Hussain elevated Indian classical music on the global stage like no other percussionist of his era.

Rohit Bal: An iconic figure in Indian fashion, Rohit Bal reigned supreme in the industry for decades with his extravagant designs for both men and women. He was celebrated for blending India’s rich sartorial heritage with modern elegance and comfort.

An alumnus of St. Stephen’s College, known affectionately as Gudda, he embodied haute couture at a time when few matched his innovative flair. As a founding member of the Fashion Design Council of India, Rohit Bal profoundly influenced a generation of designers and reshaped Indian couture.

Sitaram Yechury: As a key leader in India's largest communist party, the CPI(M), Sitaram Yechury’s political journey spanned decades. A distinguished student with a stellar academic background from St. Stephen’s College and JNU, his pursuit of a Ph.D. in Economics was interrupted during the Emergency.

His political career began in his student days, leading the Student Federation of India (SFI). Notably, he was the first SFI president not from Kerala or Bengal. As a seasoned politician, Yechury served on the CPI(M) politburo for 32 years, becoming its General Secretary in 2015, and played a crucial role in maintaining government stability during India's coalition politics era.

Pankaj Udhas: This soulful ghazal singer enchanted countless Indians with his mesmerizing voice, producing over 50 albums and contributing to Hindi cinema. His poignant ghazals like ‘Chitti Aai hai’, ‘Chandi jaisa’, and ‘Yeh halki si baarish’ resonate with emotions of joy and sorrow.

Honored with the Padma Shri for his invaluable contributions to Indian music, especially the cherished genre of ghazals, his melodic voice will continue to echo digitally, though many will deeply miss his presence.

Ameen Sayani: The most recognizable voice on radio during an epoch when television was still a distant dream, Ameen Sayani captivated audiences with his cheerful greeting, “Ji haan bhaiyon aur beheno. Main hoon apka dost”. His legendary music show Geetmala kept listeners enthralled every Wednesday at 8 p.m., eventually evolving into Binaca Geetmala, akin to America’s Billboard rankings that could significantly impact a composer’s or singer’s career. His enchanting voice will be remembered fondly by an entire generation.

Sharda Sinha: Revered as the nightingale of Bihar, Sharda Sinha’s contributions to Chhath Puja through her devotional hymns will remain legendary. Even though her physical presence has faded, her soulful voice will forever echo in the hearts of the Purvanchali people, who celebrated weddings and festivals with her melodies.

Devoted to preserving Bihar’s folk traditions, she introduced many to the richness of Bhojpuri and Maithili cultures, ensuring that folk songs did not fade into obscurity amidst modernity. She will always be celebrated for her commitment to preserving her homeland’s traditions.

Dr. Ram Narain Agarwal: Known as the ‘Father of Agni Missile’ or the ‘Agni Man of India’, Dr. Agarwal was born in Jaipur and pursued Aeronautical Engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology and a Master's from the prestigious Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore.

In his illustrious career, he collaborated with notable scientists, including Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. As a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, he directed the Agni program and led the Advanced Systems Laboratory in Hyderabad.

The Agni missile was the most ambitious project among the five missiles developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme initiated in 1983. A brilliant engineer, Dr. Agarwal made significant strides in missile technology, including all-composite heat shields, onboard propulsion systems, re-entry technology, and advanced guidance and control systems. The nation owes much gratitude to its ‘Agni man’.

Anshuman Gaekwad: The legendary Indian cricketer epitomized perseverance and bravery. His remarkable contributions to Indian cricket cannot be overlooked, especially his legendary 11-hour innings in a 1982 match against Pakistan.

Gaekwad demonstrated exceptional courage during an era devoid of helmets, facing the fierce bowling of Jamaican cricketer Michael Holding in a 1975 match, enduring injuries yet showcasing unmatched resilience. After his playing days, he transitioned to coaching and selection, ensuring his legacy continued in cricket.

Others who departed in 2024 yet deserve recognition include Tamil actor Ganesh, Malayalam actor Mohan Raj, Gusadi dance master Kanaka Raju, renowned Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancer Yamini Krishnamurthy, industrialist Ram Buxani, Ramoji Rao (founder of Ramoji Film City), Girish Sahni (former director of CSIR), Aziz Qureshi (former Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Mizoram), Ustad Rashid Khan (Indian classical vocalist), and former national hockey player Ajit Singh Gill.

Although these remarkable individuals have left us, their enduring legacies continue to inspire future generations.