JOIN USFormer President Pranab Mukherjee passes away at 84
Pranab Mukherjee, former President and one of India’s most admired politicians, breathed his last at the Army Hospital on Monday. He was 84.
Mukherjee had suffered an accident at his residence late evening on August 9 and was admitted to the Army Hospital (Research & Referral) the following day when he underwent a “life-saving” brain surgery for removal of a large clot.
He had also tested positive for Covid-19. “With a Heavy Heart, this is to inform you that my father Shri Pranab Mukherjee has just passed away in spite of the best efforts of Doctors of RR Hospital & prayers, duas & prarthanas from people throughout India !” his son Abhijit said on Twitter.
“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,” the government said in a statement here.
It said that 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 mortal remains of the former President are expected to be brought at his official 10, Rajaji Marg residence on Tuesday morning and a state funeral has been planned at the Lodhi Road crematorium.
Tributes poured in from across the country for Mukherjee, who touched many lives throughout his five-decade of public life.
“In his five decade long illustrious public life, he remained rooted to the ground irrespective of the exalted offices he held. He endeared himself to people across the political spectrum,” President Ram Nath Kovind said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Mukherjee as a scholar par excellence, a towering statesman who was admired across the political spectrum and by all sections of the society.
“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,” Modi said.