A Heart of Maruti 800: Asim Arun Remembers Dr. Singh's Humility
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New Delhi, Dec 27 (NationPress) As the nation mourns the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, a poignant story shared by his ex-bodyguard, Asim Arun, has spotlighted the humility of the late leader.
Asim Arun, who serves as the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Social Welfare, Scheduled Castes, and Tribal Welfare in Uttar Pradesh and was previously Dr. Singh's bodyguard, took to X to reminisce about his experience leading the Special Protection Group (SPG) Close Protection Team for Dr. Singh from 2004 to 2007.
Arun, a former IPS officer, retired voluntarily in January 2022 to enter politics. He successfully ran as a BJP candidate in the 2022 UP Assembly elections from the Kannauj constituency.
In his post on X, Arun recounted how the Prime Minister, despite having access to a high-end BMW with advanced security features, had a particular affection for his humble Maruti 800. “Dr. Sahab would often say to me, ‘Aseem, I prefer to travel in this car (Maruti), not that one (BMW),’” Arun noted, underlining the leader’s profound connection to his middle-class origins.
He elaborated on how Dr. Singh would frequently look at the Maruti 800 stationed at the Prime Minister’s residence, reaffirming his identity as an ordinary individual committed to serving the populace.
“I would clarify that this car isn't for your comfort; its security features are why the SPG has chosen it. Yet, every time the convoy passed the Maruti, he would gaze at it with great affection, as if reaffirming his resolution that he is a middle-class individual concerned about the common man. He would say, the car worth crores belongs to the PM, but my car is this Maruti,” he added in his post on X.
Arun’s tweet has resonated with many, showcasing the unpretentious nature of the man who guided India from 2004 to 2014 during a pivotal era in the nation’s journey.
Dr. Singh, celebrated as the architect of India’s 1991 economic reforms, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92 after being admitted to AIIMS due to declining health.
A prominent figure in Indian politics and economics, his time as Finance Minister and subsequently as Prime Minister transformed India’s economy, integrating it into the global market and stimulating growth.
As the nation reflects on his legacy, Arun’s story serves as a reminder of Dr. Singh’s humility, intellect, and steadfast dedication to the common man, a legacy that will resonate with future generations.
