As the entire country has been mourning for the demise of 'Bharat Ratna' Pranab Mukherjee, who was the 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017, the Indian government has announced a seven-day state mourning during which the national flag will fly at half-mast on all buildings throughout India. 

Pranab Mukherjee has passed away on Monday at the age of 84 in the Army Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi. The former president was tested positive for COVID-19 viral infection on August 10 and he was admitted to the army hospital and he also had undergone emergency surgery to remove a clot in his brain. His health developed complications following the surgery. 

He was under the support of the ventilator after he was spelled in a critical state. During the course of treatment, he had developed a lung infection and went to the deep state of comatose and his health was deteriorating. On Monday morning, the hospital said that his health has declined, and continues to be in a deep coma. On Monday evening, Pranab Mukherjee's son Abhijit Mukherjee had shared the news of his father's demise, which saddened the entire country. 

In his tweet, Abhijit wrote "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". According to the reports, the doctors said that he died due to cardiac arrest and breathed his last at 4.30 pm on Monday. Soon after the news of his demise made headlines, national and state leaders have been paying their tributes to the former head of state of this republic. 

Hours after his demise, the Union Home Ministry said that the country will be observing seven days of state mourning for the deceased leader. In its statement, the Home Ministry said, "As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, seven days of state mourning will be observed throughout India from 31.08.2020 to 06.09. 2020, both days inclusive". 

Seven-day state mourning will be observed throughout India from 31 August to 6 September, both days inclusive: Govt of India #PranabMukherjee

— ANI (@ANI) August 31, 2020

The Home Ministry stated 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 government added that the date, time, and venue of the state funeral would be announced later.  

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 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. 

Must-read: Former President 'Bharat Ratna' Pranab Mukherjee has passed away at the age of 84