Former President Pranab Mukherjee cremated with full state honours

Former President Pranab Mukherjee was cremated with full state honours at the Lodhi Road electric crematorium on Tuesday afternoon in the presence of family members and amid strict Covid-19 protocol.

His son Abhijit performed the final rites accompanied by a 21-gun military salute.

Only close family members were allowed to enter the crematorium and those handling the mortal remains of Mukherjee wore personal protection equipment as the former President had tested positive for Covid-19.

Mukherjee had breathed his last on Monday evening following complications due to a brain surgery for removal of clot and Covid-19 related health issues.

As per the Covid-19 protocol, Mukherjee’s mortal remains were brought to the crematorium in a van instead of a gun carriage, as is the protocol for state funerals.

The Union Cabinet, at a special meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, condoled the death of Mukherjee and hailed him as a distinguished leader with unparalleled experience and a tall statesman.

“Mukherjee has left his imprint on our national life. In his death the country has lost a distinguished national leader, accomplished Parliamentarian and a tall statesman,” read a resolution adopted by the Cabinet.

Earlier Tuesday morning, Mukherjee’s mortal remains were brought to his 10, Rajaji Road residence where President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, former Congress President Rahul Gandhi among other offered their last respect.

At the residence too, Covid-19 protocols were followed and the coffin carrying Mukherjee’s mortal remains were kept in a separate room closed by a glass door.

Dignitaries and well wishers offered floral tributes and placed wreaths to a photograph of the former President in a separate room. Modi was the only dignitary who walked up to the room where mortal remains were kept to have a final look at the departed leader.

Mukherjee’s sons Abhjit and Indrajit and daughter Sharmistha are expected to travel to Haridwar on Tuesday night to immerse the ashes in river Ganga.

Advice to son Abhijit:

“Don’t be vengeful towards anyone, circumstances are always temporary,” was Mukherjee’s final advice to his son Abhjit who was with him in his final days.

Abhijit said that he had plans to turn his father’s ancestral home in West Bengal into a museum and library.

Abhijit, a former Lok Sabha member, wanted the government to release a postal stamp remembering the former President, if they have plans to honour his memory.