New Delhi, December 11(HS): On the birth anniversary of former President and Bharat Ratna awardee Pranab Mukherjee, President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers and several political leaders across the country paid heartfelt tributes on Thursday. President Murmu offered floral tributes at his portrait in Rashtrapati Bhavan and said that Pranab Mukherjee was a true guardian of Indian democracy and the Constitution. His life, she said, embodied national interest, duty and public service.

Vice President Calls Him a Pillar of Democracy

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan described Pranab Mukherjee as a towering pillar of Indian politics. He said Mukherjee’s long and dedicated public life significantly strengthened democratic institutions. His wisdom, foresight and commitment to public service continue to inspire generations.

Union Ministers Recall His Statesmanship

Home Minister Amit Shah said Pranab Mukherjee’s political brilliance and personal humility would always be remembered. His leadership and unwavering dedication to the nation remain a source of inspiration for every citizen.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that a personality like Pranab Mukherjee will always be remembered.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that Mukherjee always placed national service above everything else and exhibited deep knowledge, experience and remarkable leadership in every role he held.

Union Ministers Manohar Lal, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Arjun Ram Meghwal and Chirag Paswan also paid tribute, calling him a symbol of integrity, policymaking excellence and democratic values.

Chief Ministers Offer Homage

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described Pranab Mukherjee’s vision, simplicity and commitment to national interest as invaluable treasures of Indian democracy.

Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttarakhand—Dr Mohan Yadav, Bhajanlal Sharma, Nayab Singh Saini and Pushkar Singh Dhami—also remembered him as a guiding force whose life exemplified service to nation and society.

Pranab Mukherjee: Life, Legacy and Contributions

Pranab Mukherjee was born on December 11, 1935, in Mirati village of West Bengal. His father was a freedom fighter and later served as a legislator.

Mukherjee pursued higher education in history, political science and law, and began his career as a teacher and editor of Bengali publications.

Rise in Public Life

His political journey began in 1969 when he entered the Rajya Sabha for the first time. Under the guidance of Indira Gandhi, he held key responsibilities in the government from 1973 onwards and became Finance Minister in 1982.

He led crucial ministries including Commerce, External Affairs, Defence and Finance. He also represented India in major global institutions such as the Asian Development Bank, African Development Bank, IMF and the World Bank.

As President of India

In 2012, he was elected President of India and earned praise for his active, balanced and dignified role in office.

He was conferred the Bharat Ratna in 2019.

Pranab Mukherjee passed away on August 31, 2020.

Known for his intellectual depth, administrative experience and prolific writing, Pranab Mukherjee continues to remain one of India's most respected statesmen.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar