PM Modi mourns Pranab Mukherjee's demise, calls him a 'scholar par excellence'

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned  demise of former President Pranab Mukherjee and extended his condolences to latter's kin and admirers. He observed that Mukherjee had left an indelible mark on India's development trajectory. Terming him as a "towering statesman", PM mentioned that Mukherjee was admired across political spectrum and by all sections of society. Recalling Mukherjee's tenure as an outstanding parliamentarian, he ted that former made long-lasting contributions in key ecomic and strategic ministries.

According to PM Modi, former President t only made Rashtrapati Bhavan more accessible to common person but also made it a centre of learning, invation, culture, science, and literature. Ackwledging senior Congress leader's wise counsel on key policy matters, he said that he was blessed to have  guidance and support of Mukherjee after taking over as PM in 2014. PM maintained that he would always cherish his interactions with former President. 

Read: Sushil Kumar Shinde Saddened By Pranab Mukherjee's Demise, Remembers Him As 'fighter'

Read: Amit Shah 'deeply Anguished' By Pranab Mukherjee's Demise; Extends Deepest Condolences

Illustrious career

Born on December 11, 1935, in Mirati vill, Burham district of West Bengal, Mukherjee obtained a Master's degree in History and Political Science as well as a degree in Law from University of Calcutta. His far was a Congress leader who went to jail on multiple occasions for his role in struggle for Independence. While Pranab Mukherjee commenced his career as a college teacher and journalist, he plunged into public life with his election to Rajya Sabha in 1969. Former PM Indira Gandhi was instrumental for Mukherjee's rapid rise in politics.

He served as a Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha member for 5 and two terms respectively. During his career spanning over 5 decades, Mukherjee served at different times as Minister of Defence, External Affairs and Finance. Besides this, he functioned as Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission from 1991 to 1996 as well as Leader of both Houses of Parliament. senior Congress leader was admitted to Army's Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi on August 10 and operated for removal of a clot in  brain. He also tested positive for vel coronavirus. Mukherjee is survived by two sons and a daughter. 

Read: Rajnath Singh Pays Tribute To Late Pranab Mukherjee, Calls His Demise 'a Personal Loss'