Former President Pranab Mukherjee passes away
01 Sep 2020
Former President of India Pranab Mukherjee passed away in the evening today (Monday) after a brief illness, during which he was admitted to the RR Hospital in Delhi Cantonment.
Mukherjee, a Congress stalwart, was admitted to the hospital on August 10 and was operated the same day for removal of a clot in his brain.
Mukherjee, 84, passed away in spite of best efforts and prayers of doctors of RR Hospital confirmed his son Abhijit.
"With a Heavy heart, this is to inform you that my father Shri Pranab Mukherjee has just passed away in spite of the best efforts of doctors of RR Hospital and prayers, diyas and prarthanas from people throughout India! I thank all of You,” Abhijit tweeted.
Mukherjee, a Congress stalwart, was admitted to the hospital in Delhi Cantonment on August 10 and was operated the same day for removal of a clot in his brain.
His condition deteriorated in the morning after he suffered a septic shock due to his lung infection, the Army's Research and Referral Hospital said.
The Bharat Ratna awardee had also tested positive for Covid-19 at the time of his admission and later developed a respiratory infection
Pranab Mukherjee was the 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017. He is survived by two sons and a daughter.
The government of India has announced a seven-day state mourning from 31 August 6 September.
Extending condolences, President of India, Ram Nath Kovind wrote, "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 and all citizens."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wrote "I was new to Delhi in 2014. From Day 1, I was blessed to have the guidance, support and blessings of Shri Pranab Mukherjee. I will always cherish my interactions with him. Condolences to his family, friends, admirers and supporters across India. Om Shanti".
"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.”