Former President Pranab Mukherjee dies at 84

Former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee has died on August 31. Mukherjee had tested positive for coronavirus, and he also underwent brain surgery on August 10. After the surgery, his condition worsened, and he was placed on ventilator support at the Army Research and Referral Hospital.

“With a Heavy Heart, this is to inform you that my father Shri #PranabMukherjee has just passed away in spite of the best efforts of Doctors of RR Hospital & prayers,duas & Prarthana from people throughout India! I thank all of You,” tweeted Abhijeet Mukherjee, Pranab Mukherjee’s son.

Born on December 11, 1935, Pranab Mukherjee led an impeccable political career, free from controversies for more than five decades. During this career, he held several ministerial portfolios within the government, and he was considered a politician with high diplomatic talent.

From 2009 to 2012, Pranab Mukherjee held the position of Union Finance Minister. Mukherjee was sworn in as the president of India on July 25, 2012. In 2017, citing personal and health reasons, he retired from politics.

Last year, Pranab Mukherjee was awarded Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honor by reigning Indian President Ram Nath Kovind.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted a heartfelt tribute to Pranab Mukherjee, minutes after the former President’s death was announced, saying he had been “blessed” to receive support and guidance from Mr Mukherjee when he first became Prime Minister in 2014.

Praising him as a “scholar par excellence (and) a towering statesman”, Mr. Modi said Mukherjee’s loss would be felt deeply by the nation.

“India grieves the passing away of Bharat Ratna Shri Pranab Mukherjee. He has left an indelible mark on the development trajectory of our nation. A scholar par excellence, a towering statesman, he was admired across the political spectrum and by all sections of society,” PM Modi tweeted.

“I was new to Delhi in 2014. From Day 1, I was blessed to have the guidance, support and blessings of Shri Pranab Mukherjee. I will always cherish my interactions with him. Condolences to his family, friends, admirers and supporters across India. Om Shanti,” the Prime Minister said.