President, Vice President and Prime Minister express grief on demise of veteran leader

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National News

Aug 31, 2020

8:11PM

President, Vice President and Prime Minister express grief on demise of veteran leader

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President Ramnath Kovind has condoled the death of former President Pranab Mukherjee. Mr. Kovind said, his demise is the passing of an era. A colossus in public life, he served Mother India with the spirit of a sage.

President Kovind said, the nation mourns losing one of its worthiest sons. He said, endowed with perspicacity and wisdom, Bharat Ratna Mr. Mukherjee combined tradition and modernity. In his 5 decade long illustrious public life, he remained rooted to the ground irrespective of the exalted offices he held. He endeared himself to people across the political spectrum.

Mr. Kovind said, as the First Citizen, Mr.Mukherjee continued to connect with everyone, bringing Rashtrapati Bhavan closer to the people. He opened its gates for public visit. Mr. Kovind described Mr. Mukherjee's decision to discontinue the use of the honorific 'His Excellency' as historic.

Vice President M. Vekaiah Naidu said, the country has lost an elder statesman in Mr. Pranab Mukherjee's death. He rose from a humble beginning to occupy the country’s highest constitutional position through hard work, discipline and dedication. The Vice President said, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee brought dignity and decorum to every post held by him during his long and distinguished public service.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee has left an indelible mark on the development trajectory of the nation. A scholar par excellence, a towering statesman, Mr.Mukherjee was admired across the political spectrum and by all sections of society. Mr. Modi recalled that during his political career that spanned decades, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee made long-lasting contributions in key economic and strategic ministries. He was an outstanding Parliamentarian, always well-prepared, extremely articulate as well as witty.

Mr. Modi said, as India’s President, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee made Rashtrapati Bhavan even more accessible to common citizens. He made the President’s house a centre of learning, innovation, culture, science and literature. Mr. Modi said, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee's wise counsel on key policy matters will never be forgotten.