PM Modi: A scholar of extraordinary depth and a towering statesman says of Pranab Mukherjee
PM Modi: On the anniversary of his birth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the late former President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday, calling him a “towering statesman” whose dedication to national service throughout his life had a lasting influence on Indian democracy.
Pranab Mukherjee, who was born into a Bengali family on December 11, 1935, became one of India’s most esteemed leaders. He was the first person from West Bengal to occupy the nation’s highest constitutional post, serving as president from 2012 to 2017.
PM Modi said, “Tributes to Shri Pranab Mukherjee on his birth anniversary,” in a message posted on X. Throughout decades of public life, he served India with unshakable commitment as a towering statesman and a scholar of extraordinary depth. At every stage, Pranab Babu’s intelligence and lucidity of thinking enhanced our democracy. Over the many years we spent together, I had the honor of learning so much from him.
Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, also paid respects, stating that India’s democratic values will be guided by the former President’s life. “Happy Jayanti to Pranab Mukherjee Ji, the former president of India. Mukherjee Ji was a leader committed to public service, and his tenures in public office were characterized by his deep comprehension of the constitution. “Our democratic journey will continue to be inspired by his life and works,” Shah said on X.
“My heartfelt tributes to Bharat Ratna Shri Pranab Mukherjee Ji on his Jayanti,” said Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, who also expressed his condolences. His extensive career in public service had a significant impact on India. He went on to say that Mukherjee’s “humility, vast knowledge, and significant contributions” had a profound impact on many lives and will inspire future generations dedicated to the development of India.
Pranab Mukherjee held a number of important positions throughout his career, including minister of finance, defense, commerce, and external affairs. He was elected twice to the Lok Sabha between 2004 and 2012 and five times to the Rajya Sabha starting in 1969. He served on the Congress Working Committee, the party’s highest decision-making body, for 23 years.
Mukherjee was instrumental in forming important policy decisions between 2004 and 2012 regarding administrative reforms, the Right to Information, the Right to Employment, food and energy security, the development of IT and telecommunications, the creation of the UIDAI, and the Metro Rail network.
In the 1970s and 1980s, he played a key role in the establishment of Regional Rural Banks in 1975, the EXIM Bank of India in 1981, and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development in 1982.