New Delhi (NVI): Former President Pranab Mukherjee who had been tested positive for coronavirus, and was in coma after a brain surgery earlier this month, passed away today at the age of 84.
His son Abhijit Mukherjee informed of the leader’s demise on Twitter. “With a Heavy Heart , this is to inform you that my father Shri #PranabMukherjee has just passed away inspite of the best efforts of Doctors of RR Hospital & prayers ,duas & prarthanas from people throughout India! I thank all of You,” he tweeted.
With a Heavy Heart , this is to inform you that my father Shri #PranabMukherjee has just passed away inspite of the best efforts of Doctors of RR Hospital & prayers ,duas & prarthanas from people throughout India !
I thank all of You ?— Abhijit Mukherjee (@ABHIJIT_LS) August 31, 2020
In a statement earlier today, the Army Research and Referral (RR) Hospital had stated that the former president’s health condition had deteriorated since yesterday and he was in “septic shock” due to his lung infection.
Mukherjee was admitted to the hospital on August 10 and underwent life-saving surgery to remove a blood clot in brain. He had tested positive for the coronavirus ahead of the surgery.
He later developed a lung infection and kidney dysfunction.
In a series of tweets, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief on the passing away of the leader. “India grieves the passing away of Bharat Ratna Shri Pranab Mukherjee. He has left an indelible mark on the development trajectory of our nation. A scholar par excellence, a towering statesman, he was admired across the political spectrum and by all sections of society,” PM tweeted.
India grieves the passing away of Bharat Ratna Shri Pranab Mukherjee. He has left an indelible mark on the development trajectory of our nation. A scholar par excellence, a towering statesman, he was admired across the political spectrum and by all sections of society. pic.twitter.com/gz6rwQbxi6
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 31, 2020
President Ram Nath Kovind also mourned over the death of Mukherjee and tweeted: “Sad to hear that former President Shri Pranab Mukherjee is no more. His demise is passing of an era. A colossus in public life, he served Mother India with the spirit of a sage. The nation mourns losing one of its worthiest sons. Condolences to his family, friends & all citizens.”
Sad to hear that former President Shri Pranab Mukherjee is no more. His demise is passing of an era. A colossus in public life, he served Mother India with the spirit of a sage. The nation mourns losing one of its worthiest sons. Condolences to his family, friends & all citizens.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 31, 2020
Mukherjee was the 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017. Born in a Bengali family in Birbhum district of West Bengal, he started his political journey in 1969 by-election in Midnapore. At a young age of 35, Mukherjee entered the Rajya Sabha.
Prior to his election as President, Mukherjee was Union Finance Minister from 2009 to 2012. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2019 by President Ram Nath Kovind.
-ARK
