PRANAB MUKHERJEE

From Sampath’s Desk:

 

PRANAB MUKHERJEE (1935-2020)

  

Pranab Mukherjee (84), one of the veteran political leaders and greatest statesmen of India, and its 13th President is no more having left from our midst on 31.8.2020!

 

His journey of industrious, illustrious, and intellectual patriotism - from the rural environs of Mirati, Kirnahar in Birbhum district of West Bengal where he was born - to the Rashtrapathi Bhavan was an inspiring success story that stands testimony to prove how one can scale great heights in life even from a humble beginning if he/she were to live up in great measure to the motto of 'the purpose of life is a life of purpose'. Life with patience, performance, persistence, and perseverance that he lived is sure to inspire and enthuse the present and coming generations. He knew that the only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary and nowhere else! He was a multifaceted and versatile personality having held high positions - Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha M.P., Union Minister holding different portfolios at different times, Deputy Chairman of the Indian planning commission, etc. before becoming the President of India.

 

Despite his academic excellence of M.A. degree in Political Science and History and an LLB degree, both from the University of Calcutta (now Kolkata), he made his modest beginning as a Clerk in the erstwhile Posts and Telegraphs (P&T) Department and thereafter a Lecturer/Assistant Professor in Political Science and a journalist before entering the political arena.

 

A known ‘Man of all seasons’, ‘Walking Encyclopedia’, ‘Tough taskmaster’ and ‘Consensus builder’, Mukherjee had played a crucial role in getting through the much-talked-about  Indo-US nuclear deal ‘123 Agreement’ earning exemption for India from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

 

He was a live volcano of zeal, an ocean of knowledge, a Tsunami of innovative ideas, an icon of initiatives, and above all, a symbol of simplicity throughout. He was also a prescient, clairvoyant, and futurist-dreamer-cum-visionary to think ahead of times.   

  

A history aficionado, he has left his high benchmarks on the Presidency. He made it easier for common people to visit the Rashtrapati Bhavan during his stay there. He was honoured with Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 2019.

 

People venerated him for his encyclopedic memory, razor-sharp intellect and deep insights even into ticklish and contentious issues. As President of India, he headed 24 of 39 GOMs (groups of ministers). During 2004-2012, he chaired 95 GOMs.

 

He will be remembered for the steps he took to make the Rashtrapati Bhavan closer to people. He opened it up for the public along with a museum. The Durbar Hall was refurbished and Mukherjee ensured during his presidency that events were held under its lofty dome. The library was renovated with researchers getting access to its extensive catalog of books.

 

He ordered the opening of the gates of the presidential palace for writers, artists, innovators, scientists and students through in-residency programs.

 

Some of the books authored by him were - The Turbulent Years: 1980-1996, The Coalition Years, The Dramatic Decade: The Indira Gandhi Years (2014), and ‘Thoughts and Reflections’, among others.

 

Some statesmen don’t fade into the background even after their demise and Pranab Mukherjee is one among them to positively influence and galvanize generations.

   .

 

R.SAMPATH

1/9/2020

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