New Delhi (NVI): Former President Pranab Mukherjee’s last rites were performed at Lodhi crematorium today, under restrictions for COVID-19. He was laid to rest with full military honours.
Mukherjee, 84, passed away yesterday at the Army Research and Referral Hospital (RR), Delhi where he was admitted earlier this month and had undergone surgery for removal of a clot in his brain. He had tested positive for the coronavirus ahead of the surgery.
Earlier today, President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chiefs of the three defence services and politicians cutting across party lines paid their last respects to the former president at his residence.
Notably, National flags at Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament were at half-mast today as the country observes a seven-day State mourning following the demise of Mukherjee.
“As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, seven days state mourning will be observed throughout India from August 31 to September 6, both days inclusive.” the Ministry of Home Affairs said in an official release.
Pranab Mukherjee was a senior Congress leader before he was elected as 13th President of India. He served as President from July 2012 to 2017.
-RJV
