Pranab Mukherjee (1935-2020)

Pranab Mukherjee was an Indian politician and statesman who served as the 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017. He was born on December 11, 1935, in Mirati, West Bengal, India, and passed away on August 31, 2020, at the age of 84.

Early Life and Education:

Pranab Mukherjee was born into a middle-class family in a small village in West Bengal. His father, Kamada Kinkar Mukherjee, was a freedom fighter and a member of the Indian National Congress. Pranab Mukherjee completed his schooling from Suri Vidyasagar College in Suri, Birbhum, and went on to complete his Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Calcutta University. He then went on to complete his Master's degree in History and Political Science from the same university.

Political Career:

Pranab Mukherjee started his political career as a member of the Indian National Congress. He was first elected to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, in 1969. He served in various ministerial positions in the government, including as the Minister of Finance, Defence, External Affairs, and Commerce.

During his tenure as the Finance Minister, he presented several budgets that were widely appreciated for their economic policies. He is credited with liberalizing the Indian economy and bringing in significant reforms that helped to modernize the country's financial sector. He also played a key role in the implementation of the New Economic Policy of 1991.

In 2004, he was elected as a Member of Parliament from the Jangipur constituency in West Bengal. He was later appointed as the Minister of External Affairs in the government of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He played a crucial role in the country's foreign policy, and his diplomatic skills were widely appreciated.

Presidency:

In 2012, Pranab Mukherjee was elected as the President of India, succeeding Pratibha Patil. He was the first Bengali to hold this position. During his presidency, he played an important role in shaping the country's social and economic policies. He also made significant efforts to strengthen India's relationship with other countries.

As the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee also had the power to grant pardons and commute sentences. He exercised this power on several occasions, including in the case of the terrorist Yakub Memon, who was sentenced to death for his involvement in the 1993 Mumbai bombings.

Legacy:

Pranab Mukherjee is remembered as one of India's most respected politicians and statesmen. He was known for his sharp intellect, his deep knowledge of politics and economics, and his unwavering commitment to the country's progress.

His contributions to India's economic reforms and foreign policy have had a lasting impact on the country. He is also remembered for his role in strengthening India's democratic institutions and for his support for the rule of law.

In his memoirs, "The Presidential Years," Mukherjee wrote about his experiences as the President of India and shared his insights into the country's political landscape. The book was widely praised for its honesty and for the insights it provided into the workings of India's political system.

Conclusion:

Pranab Mukherjee was a towering figure in Indian politics and a true statesman. He was widely respected for his intelligence, his knowledge, and his unwavering commitment to the country's progress. His contributions to India's economic and social development will always be remembered, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders in India and around the world.