Former President Pranab Mukherjee passed away on Monday. He was 84. The condition of Mukherjee declined on Monday morning and he has suffered a septic shock due to his lung infection, the Army’s Research and Referral Hospital said.
Starting off as a protege of Indira Gandhi, who stood beside her during the Emergency, Mukherjee came to be known as a crisis manager who commanded the respect of all and had friends across the aisle. The once Congress stalwart wore many hats over the last five decades in public life and 37 years in Parliament. He was conferred the Bharat Ratna last year.
Interestingly, Mukherjee, nicknamed ‘Poltu da’, had come close to becoming the Prime Minister in 2012. In his own words, he got a sense that he could replace Manmohan Singh, who could be sent to Rashtrapati Bhawan. But destiny had other plans. At the age of 35, Mukherjee entered the Rajya Sabha. Besides serving two terms as Finance Minister, Mukherjee also held the post of Commerce Minister in 1993 and is known for championing the cause of trade liberalisation.
The last event of the Iconic Pranab Mukherjee's life was the Champions of Change Awards 2019, which was organized by the Interactive Forum on Indian Economy (IFIE). Mukherjee graced the occasion as Chief Guest where he awarded Esteemed personalities from various fields for their immense contribution towards the society. Among the various awardees were BJP MP Anurag Thakur, Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Deputy CM of Delhi Manish Sisodia and Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren.
Anurag Thakur tweeted a heartfelt tribute to Pranab Mukherjee on Monday, after the former President's death was announced, saying Mukherjee was an institution who’s five decades in public & political life built bridges.
Bharat Ratna Sh Pranab Mukherjee was an institution who’s five decades in public & political life built bridges.
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) August 31, 2020
His work shaped India’s political history & his passing away is the end of an era.
A statesman whom I admired & whose blessings I have been fortunate to receive. pic.twitter.com/zHwY3WDn7Q
Another 'Champions of Change' awardee Shilpa Shetty Kundra also took to Twitter to express her grief on the demise of the Bharat Ratna.
Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of our former President Shri #PranabMukherjee🙏🏼It was a moment of great pride for @TheRajKundra & me to have met & received our awards from you. Rest in peace,Sir💐
— SHILPA SHETTY KUNDRA (@TheShilpaShetty) August 31, 2020
My heartfelt condolences to @ABHIJIT_LS & the entire family in this time.
