Current affairs

Former President 'Bharat Ratna' Pranab Mukherjee has passed away at the age of 84

By alagu, 31 August, 2020
India, Pranab Mukherjee, COVID-19

Former President of India and 'Bharat Ratna' laureate Pranab Mukherjee has passed away on Monday at the age of 84 after battling the COVID-19 viral infection. On August 10, he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus and he had undergone emergency surgery to remove a clot in his brain on the same day at the Army Research and Referral Hospital in New Delhi. 

Though the surgery was successful, his health had developed complications and he was put under the ventilator support after he was spelled in a critical state. Following his surgery, he went to a state of deep comatose and developed a lung infection. His health hadn't improved and earlier on Monday, the hospital said his health had declined and he continues to be under a coma. 

The hospital said, "There is a decline in the medical condition of former President Pranab Mukherjee since yesterday. He is in septic shock due to his lung infection & is being managed by a team of specialists. He continues to be in a deep coma & on ventilator support". Amid the shocking development, Pranab Mukherjee's son Abhijit Mukherjee took to Twitter on Monday evening and put out the news that his father has passed away. 

In his tweet, Abhijit said, "With a Heavy Heart, this is to inform you that my father Shri #PranabMukherjee has just passed away inspite of the best efforts of Doctors of RR Hospital & prayers,duas & prarthanas from people throughout India! I thank all of You". Through the demise, Pranab Mukherjee has become one of the notable national figures to succumb to the global pandemic. 

 

Pranab Mukherjee was the 13 President of India who held the nation's highest office from 2012 to 2017 and he is the immediate predecessor of incumbent Ram Nath Kovind. Previously, Mukherjee had served as Union minister in powerful portfolios under the UPA regime. He has been conferred with the nation's highest civilian award 'Bharat Ratna' last year. 

Pranab Mukherjee has earned an everlasting place in the history of Independent India through his immense and unparalleled contribution in his five-decades long public and political career from being an advocate to the President of this republic. 

National and state leaders have been paying their condolences to the former president after his demise made headlines across the nation. President Ram Nath Kovind, who is the immediate successor of Pranab Mukherjee, said, "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 & all citizens." 

 

The president further stated, "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"

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said, "Deeply saddened by the passing away of former President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee. The country has lost an elder statesman in his death. He rose from humble beginnings to occupy the country’s highest constitutional position through hard work, discipline and dedication.". 

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi 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." 

The Prime Minister added that, "As India’s President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee made Rashtrapati Bhavan even more accessible to common citizens. 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 me."

 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted, "Pranab Da's life will always be cherished for his impeccable service and indelible contribution to our motherland. His demise has left a huge void in Indian polity. My sincerest condolences are with his family and followers on this irreparable loss. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti".

 

Congress leader and former President Rahul Gandhi said, "With great sadness, the nation receives the news of the unfortunate demise of our former President Shri Pranab Mukherjee. I join the country in paying homage to him. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family and friends". 

Congress party said, "We are deeply pained by the passing of Shri Pranab Mukherjee. Former President of India & one of the tallest leaders of the Congress Party, Shri Pranab Mukherjee will always be remembered for his integrity & compassion. Our prayers are with his family, followers & the nation." 

 

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said, "Passing away of former President Sh Pranab Mukherjee is a great loss to the Nation as well as a personal loss to me. Pranab Da was truly a friend, philosopher & guide for me. His contributions to Congress & to this nation are unparalleled. Heartfelt condolences to his family." 

Pranab Mukherjee was conferred with Bharat Ratna in 2019 by President Ram Nath Kovind. The former commander-in-chief was surviving with his sons Abhijit and Indrajit, and daughter Sharmistha.  Pranab's wife Suvra Mukherjee has died at the age of 74 in August 2015. 

 

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