Yusuffali MA, Chairman of Lulu Group, has condoled the passing away of former President Pranab Mukherjee who died on August 31.

Mr. Yusuffali described the former president as “a true stalwart in Indian politics, a world-renowned economist, a statesman, above all a person liked by all irrespective of party ideologies and differences. I had several occasions to closely interact with him right from the time when he was the finance minister of India to becoming the President of India.

“No doubt, the sad demise of Pranab Mukherjee is an irreparable loss to the Indian political and diplomatic scenario. My sincere condolences and I pray to almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul,” Mr. Yusuffali said.

Born on December 11, 1935, 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 honour by reigning Indian President Ram Nath Kovind.

Mr. Yusuffali is the Chairman and Managing Director of LuLu Group, a key contributor in the Gulf region’s economic standing with an annual turnover worth $7.4 billion. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, it is a world-renowned purveyor of an international business portfolio that ranges from hypermarket operations to shopping mall development, manufacturing and trading of goods, hospitality assets, and real estate. LuLu Group mainly operates in 22 countries located across the Middle East, Asia, US, and Europe.

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“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.

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Sharmistha Mukherjee posted an emotional message on Twitter stating that she hopes God chooses the best path for him and gives her the strength to accept whatever comes ahead.

The condition of former President Pranab Mukherjee worsened on Tuesday, doctors attending on him said.

“Last year 8 August was one of the happiest day for me as my dad received Bharat Ratna.Exactly a year later on 10 August he fell critically ill. May God do whatever is best for him & give me strength to accept both joys & sorrows of life with equanimity. I sincerely thank all for their concerns,” Sharmistha Mukherjee tweeted.

Last year 8August was 1 of d happiest day 4 me as my dad received Bharat Ratna.Exactly a year later on 10Aug he fell critically ill. May God do whatever is best 4 him & give me strength 2 accept both joys & sorrows of life with equanimity. I sincerely thank all 4 their concerns🙏

— Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) August 12, 2020

The Army Research and Referral (R&R) Hospital said he remains on ventilator support and has not shown signs of improvement, after he underwent a brain surgery on August 11.

He had also tested positive for COVID-19 prior to the surgery.

Soon after the news of his hospitalisation, wishes poured in from various quarters for his early recovery and a number of leaders sent their wishes on Twitter. President Ram Nath Kovind also spoke to Sharmistha Mukherjee and enquired about his health.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the R&R Hospital and enquired about the former President’s health. Mr Singh was at the hospital for around 20 minutes. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also sent in his best wishes to the former president and wished him early recovery.

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