Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid heartfelt tributes to former President Pranab Mukherjee on the occasion of his birth anniversary, remembering him as a leader whose intellect, moral clarity and devotion to public service enriched the nation for over five decades.
Prime Minister Modi described him as “a towering statesman and a scholar of exceptional depth”, noting that “Pranab Babu’s intellect and clarity of thought enriched our democracy at every step.” Recalling their long association, he wrote that it was a privilege to have learned so much from Mukherjee over the years.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah echoed these sentiments, praising Mukherjee’s deep constitutional understanding and unwavering commitment to strengthening India’s democratic fabric. Shah noted that “Mukherjee Ji’s profound understanding of the Constitution defined his tenures in public offices.”
A Distinguished Career in Public Life
Pranab Mukherjee served as India’s 13th President from 2012 to 2017, culminating a political journey that began in the late 1960s and spanned some of the most transformative decades in the country’s history.
A senior figure in the Indian National Congress, Mukherjee handled several key ministerial portfolios—including Finance, External Affairs, Defence, and Commerce.
Admired for his calm authority and mastery of parliamentary processes, he was frequently called upon to steer complex negotiations, build consensus across party lines, and resolve political challenges.
His colleagues across political parties respected him not only for his administrative acumen but also for his encyclopedic grasp of constitutional principles and history. Over time, he became known affectionately as “Pranab Da.”
Mukherjee was as much a scholar as he was a statesman. He authored numerous books on India’s political evolution, economy, public policy and governance. His writings reflected a sharp analytical mind, a deep sense of history, and an abiding faith in India’s democratic institutions.
National and International Honours
Throughout his career, Pranab Mukherjee received some of the most prestigious honours awarded in India and abroad.
He received the Padma Vibhushan (2008) – India’s second-highest civilian award, the Best Parliamentarian Award (1997), the Best Administrator in India Award (2011) and Honorary doctorates from leading institutions including University of Dhaka (2013), University of Calcutta (2014), Russian Diplomatic Academy (2015), Belarus State University (2015) and University of Jordan among others.
His financial expertise earned him global recognition early in his career. In 1984, the Euro Money journal ranked him among the top five finance ministers in the world. In 2010, he was named ‘Finance Minister of the Year’ for Asia by Emerging Markets, the official journal of the World Bank and IMF.
Legacy of a True Statesman
Pranab Mukherjee’s legacy is defined by his unflinching dedication to India’s democratic ethos. He played a pivotal role in shaping national policies, guiding governments through moments of political turbulence, and nurturing institutional stability.
His leadership was marked by discipline, humility and a commitment to consensus-building—qualities that elevated him above political divides and earned him admiration across generations.
Fondly remembered as a mentor, scholar, administrator and statesman, Pranab Mukherjee leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire India’s democratic journey for decades to come.