Former President, Bharat Ratna Pranab Mukherjee no more
01 Sep 2020 02:01:49
NEW DELHI,
FORMER President Bharat Ratna, Pranab Mukherjee, one of India’s most cerebral and respected politicians, died on Monday evening following a 21-day battle with multiple ailments. He was 84. Mukherjee, who was admitted to the Army’s Research and Referral Hospital on August 10 and was operated for a removal of a clot in the brain the same day, is survived by two sons and a daughter. The long-time Congress leader and seven-time parliamentarian had tested positive for COVID-19 at the time of his admission and was being treated for a lung infection.
He suffered a septic shock on Sunday due to it. He died of a cardiac arrest at 4.30 pm, said doctor. His son Abhijit Mukherjee was the first to break the news of the death of the veteran politician. “With a Heavy Heart, this is to inform you that my father Shri Pranab Mukherjee has just passed away inspite of the best efforts of Doctors of RR Hospital and prayers, duas and prarthanas from people throughout India! I thank all of You,” he said on Twitter. The funeral will be held at 2 pm on Tuesday at the Lodhi Road crematorium, family said. He strode corridors of power like a colossus, but always craved a slice of his village. Mirati in West Bengal’s Birbhum district was in mourning on Monday.
From there life took the scholar politician to the Rashtrapati Bhawan through a warren of powerful offices, but the village bond grew stronger. It will be for the first time in many years that his absence will be sorely felt during Durga Puja festivities. Clad in dhoti with a stole thrown around his shoulders, Mukherjee would perform ‘aarti’ of the most revered deity in West Bengal.
Baba led full life in service of people: Daughter
NEW DELHI,
Aug 31 (IANS)
FORMER President Pranab Mukherjee’s daughter Sharmistha Mukherjee said that her father led a full and meaningful life in service of the nation and people. In a tweet, an emotional Sharmistha said, “I bow to all. Baba, taking the liberty to quote from your favourite poet to say your final goodbye to all. You have led a full, meaningful life in service of the nation, in service of our people. I feel blessed to have been born as your daughter.”
Nation lost one of its worthiest sons: President
NEW DELHI,
Aug 31 (PTI)
PRESIDENT Ram Nath Kovind condoled death of his predecessor Pranab Mukherjee saying that his demise is passing of an era and the nation mourns losing one of its worthiest sons. “Sad to hear that .. Shri Pranab Mukherjee is no more. His demise is passing of an era. A colossus in public life, he served Mother India with the spirit of a sage. Nation mourns losing one of its worthiest sons,” Kovind tweeted.
Scholar par excellence who blessed me: PM
NEW DELHI,
Aug 31 (PTI)
EXPRESSING grief over former President Pranab Mukherjee’s demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday described him as a scholar par excellence and a towering statesman who was admired across the political spectrum. Modi said, Mukherjee has left an indelible mark on the nation’s development trajectory. In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said that Mukherjee in his decades-long political journey made long-lasting contributions in key economic and strategic ministries and that he was an outstanding parliamentarian, always well-prepared, extremely articulate as well as witty.
The Prime Minister recalled that Mukherjee, as the then President when he became Prime Minister for the first time, always supported and guided him. “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,” Modi said. In his tweets, Modi also posted his pictures with Mukherjee, including one in which he is seen touching the then President’s feet. As India’s President, Mukherjee made Rashtrapati Bhawan even more accessible to common citizens, Modi noted, adding that he made the President’s House “a centre of learning, innovation, culture, science and literature”.
His wise counsel on key policy matters will never be forgotten by him, the Prime Minister said. “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,” he said.