New Delhi [India], Aug 31 (ANI): Former President Pranab Mukherjee passed away on Monday at the Army Hospital (Research and Referral) Hospital where he was admitted earlier this month and had undergone surgery for removal of a clot in his brain.
His son and former MP Abhijit Mukherjee gave the information in a tweet.
“With a Heavy Heart , this is to inform you that my father Shri PranabMukherjee passed away inspite of the best efforts of Doctors of RR Hospital & prayers, duas & prarthanas from people throughout India ! I thank all of You,” he said.
He was admitted to the Army Hospital here on August 10 and after testing positive for COVID-19.
Seven Days State Mourning
Seven days state mourning will be observed throughout the country from August 31 to September 6 as a mark of respect to former President Pranab Mukherjee, who passed away on Monday, the government informed here.
“As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, seven days state mourning will be observed throughout India from August 31 to September 6, both days inclusive. During the period of state mourning, the national flag will fly at half-mast on all buildings throughout India, where it is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment,” the Ministry of Home Affairs said in an official release.
The date, time and venue of the state funeral will be intimated later, it said.
Pranab Mukherjee passed away on Monday at the Army Hospital (Research and Referral) Hospital where he was admitted earlier this month and had undergone surgery for removal of a clot in his brain. He was 84.
Feel blessed to have been born as your daughter, says Sharmistha in tributes to Pranab Mukherjee
Congress leader Sharmistha Mukherjee on Monday paid glowing tributes to her father Pranab Mukherjee and said she feels blessed to have been born as his daughter.
In a tweet, Sharmistha Mukherjee who is a Congress spokesperson and chief of Delhi Mahila Congress, said Pranab Mukherjee led a full, meaningful life in service of the nation and in service of people.
“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,” she said.
‘Passing of an era’: President Kovind condoles Pranab Mukherjee’s demise
President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday extended his condolences after Congress veteran and India’s former president Pranab Mukherjee passed away at Delhi hospital.
“Sad to hear that former President 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. The nation mourns losing one of its worthiest sons. Condolences to his family, friends and all citizens,” President Kovind tweeted.
The President recalled the journey of Mukherjee, stating that in his 5-decade-long illustrious public life, he remained rooted to the ground irrespective of the exalted offices he held.
“Endowed with perspicacity and wisdom, Bharat Ratna Shri Mukherjee combined tradition and modernity. In his 5 decade long illustrious public life, he remained rooted to the ground irrespective of the exalted offices he held. He endeared himself to people across political spectrum,” he said.
“As the First Citizen, he continued to connect with everyone, bringing Rashtrapati Bhavan closer to the people. He opened its gates for public visit. His decision to discontinue the use of the honorific ‘His Excellency’ was historic,” President Kovind said in a subsequent tweet.
Rahul Gandhi, other political leaders express grief over former President Pranab Mukherjee’s death
Political leaders cutting across party lines expressed condolences on the demise of former president Pranab Mukherjee.
“With great sadness, the nation receives the news of the unfortunate demise of our former President Pranab Mukherjee. I join the country in paying homage to him. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family and friends,” former Congress President Rahul Gandhi tweeted.
Taking to Twitter, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wrote, “Saddened to head the news of former President Shri Pranab Mukherjee‘s death. May God place the departed soul at their feet and give courage to his family and loved ones to bear this sorrow.”
Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala stated that an era has come to an end.
“Your thoughts, memories and sense of commitment to the Party, the People and the Nation lives on ….. Rest in Peace Pranab Da,” he tweeted.
Meanwhile, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati and Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu also extended their condolences.
“News of the demise of a former President Shri Pranab Mukherjee today during the treatment is extremely sad. Deepest condolences to his bereaved family and supporters. The gentle and civilized nature of Shri Mukherjee’s long political life and service dedication will always be remembered,” Mayawati tweeted.
“Deeply saddened by the sad demise of former President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee. India has lost a legendary leader and a statesman. My deepest condolences. May his departed soul rest in peace,” Khandu wrote.
Congress leaders recall Pranab Mukherjee’s contribution, describe him Bhisham Pitamah, guardian of party
Congress leaders including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Kapil Sibal, Kamal Nath, Ahmed Patel, Anand Sharma and Salman Khurshid paid glowing tributes to former President Pranab Mukherjee saying his demise has left a deep vacuum in public life.
Priyanka Gandhi said that Mukherjee’s demise is an “irreparable loss” for the country and described him as a guardian to Congress family.
“Pranab da was a capable leader who guided the Congress family as a guardian,”
Sibal said Mukherjee was “Bhisham Pitamah” of the Congress party.
“Pranab Mukherjee contribution to the Congress party will be written in the golden letters of history. He was an encyclopedia in himself. Such people are rarely seen in politics. He was the Bhisham Pitamah of Congress party. Congress party could not take any decision without his consent,” he said.
Ahmed Patel said Pranab Mukherjee was like an elder brother to him.
“I am devasted to hear about Pranab da’s demise. He was like my elder brother. His demise has left a permanent vacuum in India’s public life. He was an encyclopaedia of Indian politics,” he said.
Azad said Mukherjee’s work will be always remembered. “The country has lost a very great patriotic son,” he said.
Kamal Nath said that Mukherjee had guided him from a young age. “In 1979, he inspired me to contest elections. I have learnt a lot from him.”
Chidambaram said he had worked with Mukherjee for many years and worked with him very closely between 2004 and 2014.
“Pranab Mukherjee had a phenomenal memory, a very sharp insight into political and economic developments and a thorough understanding of the economy and matters connected therewith which concerned the ordinary people. With his passing away, not only the Congress but, the entire political spectrum of this country has lost a lifelong and a valiant soldier,” he said.
Anand Sharma said Pranab Mukherjee died at a time when the country needed him most.
“We have some serious challenges. In times economic crisis and tension along the border with China, his intelligence and advice could greatly help the government and the country,” Sharma said.
Khurshid said Mukherjee always encouraged him.
“If there was a true intellectual in the party who knew about the history of the party, then it was Pranab da.”
Pranab Mukherjee passed away on Monday at the Army Hospital (Research and Referral) Hospital where he was admitted earlier this month and had undergone brain surgery for removal of a clot. He was 84. (ANI)
