Pranab Mukherjee: End of a legacy to be remembered

Another era came to an end after the demise of former President Pranab Mukherjee. He was a vital cog and quintessential congressman who was regarded for the uplifting of Congress party with the aplomb on the present.

Mukherjee had gone through a brain surgery at the hospital in this month and since had been on ventilator support. Also, he had tested positive for Covid-19 prior to the surgery.

Mukherjee was treated in Army R&R Hospital after being reported suffering due to injuries on the forehead and temple due to a fall in the bathroom on 9 August. Next morning he went through a CT scan and a clot in his brain was detected. Sooner he went through a “lifesaving emergency surgery” to remove it, within the premises of the same hospital.

Even after the successful surgery, he remained in a “critical” state and ventilator support was instigated for his treatment. His condition worsened on Monday, when he suffered several “septic shock” due to his lung infection, said the medical staff of the hospital to The Hindu.

Popularly known as Pranabda out of affection and respect, his death was an indigestible truth that observed condolences by leaders across political lines, as well as sensations from film industry and sports wizards. Also, the Centre announced a seven-day nationwide mourning period from 31-August to 6-September.

Funeral of Pranab Mukherjee was noted to be held at 2 pm today, at the Lodhi Road crematorium, PTI. Due to the precautions taken for the covid-19, in spite of the army caravans, he was taken in a van to the crematorium.

He was a man of excellence, better known as Encyclopaedia. As per the history he was aware of every single report or event going on and hardly one can recall if he ever missed any event and not participated in, if not directed for the then leader of the party.
The small town man from the Mirati village in West Bengal’s district was an immediate learner. However, he found his path to enter Indira’s cabinet in 1973, during her second term as the Prime Minister. Mukherjee played the role of deputy minister and minister of State (Finance) in 1973-74 at the time of the Indira government.

Out of his many achievements which include Bharat Ratna award, Mukherjee was also one of India’s youngest finance ministers of age 47 at the time when he was appointed to the post in 1982.
Deemed to be Indira Gandhi’s most trusted political lieutenants, with a razor sharp memory, intelligence and a good grasp over several issues of politics and social related he proved to be a boon and crucial gear for uplifting of party.

Statements:

“With a Heavy Heart, this is to inform you that my father Shri Pranab Mukherjee has just passed away inspite of the best efforts of Doctors of RR Hospital and prayers, duas and prarthanas from people throughout India! I thank all of You,” his son said on Twitter.

Also, a heartfelt message was drafted by his daughter Sharmishta on her Twitter handle, saying she was “blessed” to have birth as his daughter.
“You have directed a full, meaningful life in service of the nation, in service of our people,” she added.

Pranab Mukherjee as President :

Knowledge was a major tool for Pranab Mukherjee. In his five years of ruling tenure, he initiated programs that created Rashtrapati Bhawan accessible to local people eliciting respect for him and a great opportunity for people to take the glimpse of the nation’s pride. Mukherjee began the “in-residency” programme that welcomed artists, students, writers, and investors to stay within the premises of Rashtrapati Bhavan for a week and craft some interesting things out of passion. This largely affected the people in a positive manner and Mukherjee captivated the hearts of millions.

Even he was the one at the Presidential post when mercy petitions of convicts standing behind the bar for terrorism activities by Ajmal Kasab, Afzal Guru and Yakub Memon were rejected.

Five years ago, Mukherjee also lost his wife Surva Mukherjee in 2015, who died because of cardiac arrest in the same hospital RR.

Mukherjee’s elder son Abhijit Mukherjee also joined Congress party as a MP, fighting for the same seat withstood by Pranab Mukherjee i.e. Jangipur.
In June 2018, after the period of president ship, Mukherjee’s decision to be present at Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh as per their invitation, to address swayamsevaks in Nagpur on patriotism evoked much alterations and controversies.
He was again in the headlines of newspapers.
Though he has always been in good accord and enjoyed friendly relations with Prime minister Narendra Modi, he never let congress in the betraying phase.
When Modi came to be the PM for the first time in 2014, Mukherjee was called “father figure” by Modi.

A man of excellence who was a journalist, a tutor, a finance minister and later President of the country. Enthusiast of historic events who was highly motivated to be in disciplinary till the end, Mukherjee created a legacy in Indian history of politics that can’t be fulfilled.