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Pranab Mukherjee: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|13th President of India (1935–2020)}} | {{short description|13th President of India (1935–2020)}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=January | {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2022}} | ||
{{Use Indian English|date= | {{Use Indian English|date=October 2019}} | ||
{{Infobox officeholder | {{Infobox officeholder | ||
| office = 13th [[President of India]] | | office = 13th [[President of India]] | ||
| image = | | image = File: Pranab_Mukherjee_Portrait.jpg | ||
| caption = | | caption = Official portrait, 2012 | ||
| image_size = | | image_size = | ||
| nickname = Pranab Da <br />Poltuda<ref>{{cite news|url =https://www.indiatoday.in/india/north/story/president-pranab-mukherjee-poltu-ancestral-village-mirati-110888-2012-07-24|title =Pranab is still 'Poltuda' in his ancestral village of Mirati in West Bengal|publisher =India Today|date =24 July 2012|website =indiatoday.in|author =Partha Dasgupta|access-date =31 August 2020|archive-date =1 September 2020|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040858/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/north/story/president-pranab-mukherjee-poltu-ancestral-village-mirati-110888-2012-07-24|url-status =live}}</ref> | | nickname = Pranab Da <br />Poltuda<ref>{{cite news|url =https://www.indiatoday.in/india/north/story/president-pranab-mukherjee-poltu-ancestral-village-mirati-110888-2012-07-24|title =Pranab is still 'Poltuda' in his ancestral village of 'Mirati' in West Bengal|publisher =India Today|date =24 July 2012|website =indiatoday.in|author =Partha Dasgupta|access-date =31 August 2020|archive-date =1 September 2020|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040858/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/north/story/president-pranab-mukherjee-poltu-ancestral-village-mirati-110888-2012-07-24|url-status =live}}</ref> | ||
| predecessor = [[Pratibha Patil]] | | predecessor = [[Pratibha Patil]] | ||
| primeminister = [[Manmohan Singh]] <br | | primeminister = [[Manmohan Singh]] <small>(2012–2014)</small><br>[[Narendra Modi]] <small>(2014–2017)</small> | ||
| successor = [[Ram Nath Kovind]] | | successor = [[Ram Nath Kovind]] | ||
| vicepresident = [[Mohammad Hamid Ansari]] | | vicepresident = [[Mohammad Hamid Ansari]] | ||
| predecessor2 = [[Ramaswamy Venkataraman|R. Venkataraman]] | | predecessor2 = [[Ramaswamy Venkataraman|R. Venkataraman]] | ||
| primeminister2 = [[Indira Gandhi]] | | primeminister2 = [[Indira Gandhi]] | ||
| party = [[ | | party = [[Indian National Congress]] | ||
| otherparty = | | otherparty = | ||
| office1 = [[Minister of Finance (India)|Minister of Finance]] | | office1 = [[Minister of Finance (India)|Minister of Finance]] | ||
| predecessor1 = Manmohan Singh {{small|(Acting)}} | | predecessor1 = [[Manmohan Singh]] {{small|(Acting)}} | ||
| primeminister1 = [[Manmohan Singh]] | | primeminister1 = [[Manmohan Singh]] | ||
| successor1 = Manmohan Singh {{small|(Acting)}} | | successor1 = [[Manmohan Singh]] {{small|(Acting)}} | ||
| successor2 = [[V. P. Singh]] | | successor2 = [[V. P. Singh]] | ||
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1935|12|11}} | | birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1935|12|11}} | ||
| birthname = Pranab Kumar Mukherjee | | birthname = Pranab Kumar Mukherjee | ||
| birth_place = [[Mirati]], [[Bengal Presidency]], [[British Raj|British India]]<br>(present-day [[Birbhum district]], [[West Bengal]], [[India]]) | | birth_place = [[Mirati]], [[Bengal Presidency]], [[British Raj|British India]]<br />(present-day [[Birbhum district]], [[West Bengal]], [[India]]) | ||
| death_date = {{death date and age|df=yes|2020|8|31|1935|12|11}} | | death_date = {{death date and age|df=yes|2020|8|31|1935|12|11}} | ||
| death_place = [[New Delhi]], [[India]] | | death_place = [[New Delhi]], [[India]] | ||
| death_cause = | | death_cause = | ||
| signature = | |||
| spouse = {{marriage|[[Suvra Mukherjee]]|13 July 1957|18 August 2015|reason=died}} | | spouse = {{marriage|[[Suvra Mukherjee]]|13 July 1957|18 August 2015|reason=died}} | ||
| children = 3 including, {{ubl|[[Sharmistha Mukherjee]]|[[Abhijit Mukherjee]]}} | | children = 3 including, {{ubl|[[Sharmistha Mukherjee]]|[[Abhijit Mukherjee]]}} | ||
| alma_mater = [[University of Calcutta]] ([[B.A.]], [[M.A.]], [[LL.B.]]) | | alma_mater = [[University of Calcutta]] ([[B.A.]], [[M.A.]], [[LL.B.]]) | ||
| nationality = [[Indian People|Indian]] | | nationality = [[Indian People|Indian]] | ||
| awards = [[Bharat Ratna]] (2019)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/bharat-ratna-pranab-mukherjee-bhupen-hazarika-nanaji-deshmukh-ram-nath-kovind-republic-day-2019/354087 | title=Bharat Ratna for Pranab Mukherjee, Nanaji Deshmukh and Bhupen Hazarika | publisher=Times Now | date=25 January 2019 | access-date=25 January 2019 | archive-date=31 August 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133139/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/bharat-ratna-pranab-mukherjee-bhupen-hazarika-nanaji-deshmukh-ram-nath-kovind-republic-day/354087 | url-status=live }}</ref><br>[[Padma Vibhushan]] (2008) | | awards = [[Bharat Ratna]] (2019)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/bharat-ratna-pranab-mukherjee-bhupen-hazarika-nanaji-deshmukh-ram-nath-kovind-republic-day-2019/354087 | title=Bharat Ratna for Pranab Mukherjee, Nanaji Deshmukh and Bhupen Hazarika | publisher=Times Now | date=25 January 2019 | access-date=25 January 2019 | archive-date=31 August 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133139/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/bharat-ratna-pranab-mukherjee-bhupen-hazarika-nanaji-deshmukh-ram-nath-kovind-republic-day/354087 | url-status=live }}</ref><br />[[Padma Vibhushan]] (2008) | ||
| website = {{url|pranabmukherjee.nic.in | | website = {{url|pranabmukherjee.nic.in}} | ||
| term_start = 25 July 2012 | | term_start = 25 July 2012 | ||
| term_end = 25 July 2017 | | term_end = 25 July 2017 | ||
| Line 83: | Line 83: | ||
| term_end10 = 1 February 2002 | | term_end10 = 1 February 2002 | ||
| constituency10 = Various | | constituency10 = Various | ||
| honorific_prefix = | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''Pranab Kumar Mukherjee''' ({{ | '''Pranab Kumar Mukherjee''' ({{Lang-bn|প্রণব কুমার মুখার্জী}}; 11 December 1935{{spnd}}31 August 2020) was an Indian politician who served as the 13th [[president of India]] from 2012 until 2017. In a political career spanning five decades, Mukherjee was a senior leader in the [[Indian National Congress]] and occupied several ministerial portfolios in the [[Government of India]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/in-coalition-govts-its-difficult-to-reconcile-regional-with-national-interests-pranab-mukherjee/articleshow/61139336.cms|title=In coalition govts, it's difficult to reconcile regional with national interests: Pranab Mukherjee|website=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=19 October 2017|archive-date=20 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020005806/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/in-coalition-govts-its-difficult-to-reconcile-regional-with-national-interests-pranab-mukherjee/articleshow/61139336.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Prior to his [[2012 Indian presidential election|election as President]], Mukherjee was [[Minister of Finance (India)|Union Finance Minister]] from 2009 to 2012. He was awarded India's highest civilian honour, the [[Bharat Ratna]], in 2019, by his successor as President, [[Ram Nath Kovind]].<ref>{{Cite news|others=PTI|date=9 August 2019|title=Bharat Ratna for Pranab Mukherjee fitting recognition for his service to nation: PM Modi|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bharat-ratna-for-pranab-mukherjee-fitting-recognition-for-his-service-to-nation-pm-modi/article28922094.ece|url-status=live|access-date=4 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108002455/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bharat-ratna-for-pranab-mukherjee-fitting-recognition-for-his-service-to-nation-pm-modi/article28922094.ece|archive-date=8 November 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> | ||
Mukherjee got his break in politics in 1969 when the then [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Indira Gandhi]] helped him get elected to the [[Rajya Sabha]], the upper house of [[Parliament of India]], on a Congress [[Ticket (election)|ticket]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pranab Mukherjee passes away: A glimpse into Congress stalwart's life - Early Life|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/pranab-mukherjee-passes-away-a-glimpse-into-congress-stalwarts-life/early-life/slideshow/77866966.cms|access-date=4 December 2020|website=The Economic Times}}</ref> Following a meteoric rise, he became one of Gandhi's most trusted lieutenants and a minister in her cabinet in 1973. Mukherjee's service in a number of ministerial capacities culminated in his first stint as [[Finance Minister of India]] in 1982–84. He was also the [[Leader of the House (Rajya Sabha)|Leader of the House]] in the [[Rajya Sabha]] from 1980 to 1985.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pranab Mukherjee|url=https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/292871.Pranab_Mukherjee|access-date=4 December 2020|website=www.goodreads.com}}</ref> | Mukherjee got his break in politics in 1969 when the then [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Indira Gandhi]] helped him get elected to the [[Rajya Sabha]], the upper house of [[Parliament of India]], on a Congress [[Ticket (election)|ticket]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pranab Mukherjee passes away: A glimpse into Congress stalwart's life - Early Life|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/pranab-mukherjee-passes-away-a-glimpse-into-congress-stalwarts-life/early-life/slideshow/77866966.cms|access-date=4 December 2020|website=The Economic Times}}</ref> Following a meteoric rise, he became one of Gandhi's most trusted lieutenants and a minister in her cabinet in 1973. Mukherjee's service in a number of ministerial capacities culminated in his first stint as [[Finance Minister of India]] in 1982–84. He was also the [[Leader of the House (Rajya Sabha)|Leader of the House]] in the [[Rajya Sabha]] from 1980 to 1985.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pranab Mukherjee|url=https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/292871.Pranab_Mukherjee|access-date=4 December 2020|website=www.goodreads.com}}</ref> | ||
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Mukherjee was sidelined from Congress during the premiership of [[Rajiv Gandhi]]. Mukherjee had viewed himself and not the inexperienced Rajiv, as the rightful successor to Indira following [[Assassination of Indira Gandhi|her assassination]] in 1984. Mukherjee lost out in the ensuing power struggle. He formed his own party, the [[Rashtriya Samajwadi Congress]], which merged with Congress in 1989 after reaching a consensus with [[Rajiv Gandhi]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Gujral|first=Inder Kumar|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K6pABAAAQBAJ|title=Matters of Discretion: An Autobiography|publisher=[[Penguin Books|Penguin Books Publication]]|year=2011|isbn=978-93-8048-080-0|pages=56–63|author-link=Inder Kumar Gujral|archive-url=https://books.google.com/books/about/Matters_of_Discretion.html?id=C_ePpwAACAAJ|archive-date=19 October 2017}}</ref> After Rajiv Gandhi's [[Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi|assassination in 1991]], Mukherjee's political career was revived when Prime Minister [[P. V. Narasimha Rao]] appointed him [[Planning Commission (India)|Planning Commission]] head in 1991 and [[Minister of External Affairs (India)|foreign minister]] in 1995. Following this, as elder statesman of Congress, Mukherjee was the principal architect of [[Sonia Gandhi]]'s ascent to the [[President of the Indian National Congress|party's presidency]] in 1998.<ref name="europe.eu2" /> | Mukherjee was sidelined from Congress during the premiership of [[Rajiv Gandhi]]. Mukherjee had viewed himself and not the inexperienced Rajiv, as the rightful successor to Indira following [[Assassination of Indira Gandhi|her assassination]] in 1984. Mukherjee lost out in the ensuing power struggle. He formed his own party, the [[Rashtriya Samajwadi Congress]], which merged with Congress in 1989 after reaching a consensus with [[Rajiv Gandhi]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Gujral|first=Inder Kumar|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K6pABAAAQBAJ|title=Matters of Discretion: An Autobiography|publisher=[[Penguin Books|Penguin Books Publication]]|year=2011|isbn=978-93-8048-080-0|pages=56–63|author-link=Inder Kumar Gujral|archive-url=https://books.google.com/books/about/Matters_of_Discretion.html?id=C_ePpwAACAAJ|archive-date=19 October 2017}}</ref> After Rajiv Gandhi's [[Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi|assassination in 1991]], Mukherjee's political career was revived when Prime Minister [[P. V. Narasimha Rao]] appointed him [[Planning Commission (India)|Planning Commission]] head in 1991 and [[Minister of External Affairs (India)|foreign minister]] in 1995. Following this, as elder statesman of Congress, Mukherjee was the principal architect of [[Sonia Gandhi]]'s ascent to the [[President of the Indian National Congress|party's presidency]] in 1998.<ref name="europe.eu2" /> | ||
When the Congress-led [[United Progressive Alliance]] (UPA) came to power in 2004, Mukherjee won a [[Lok Sabha]] (the popularly elected lower house of Parliament) seat for the first time. From then until his resignation in 2012, he held a number of key cabinet portfolios in Prime Minister [[Manmohan Singh]]'s government{{snd}}[[Minister of Defence (India)|Defence]] (2004–06), [[Minister of External Affairs (India)|External Affairs]] (2006–09), and [[Finance minister of india|Finance]] (2009–12){{snd}}apart from heading several Groups of Ministers (GoMs) and being [[Leader of the House (Lok Sabha)|Leader of the House]] in the [[Lok Sabha]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pranab Mukherjee|url=https://indianexpress.com/about/pranab-mukherjee/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/ | When the Congress-led [[United Progressive Alliance]] (UPA) came to power in 2004, Mukherjee won a [[Lok Sabha]] (the popularly elected lower house of Parliament) seat for the first time. From then until his resignation in 2012, he held a number of key cabinet portfolios in Prime Minister [[Manmohan Singh]]'s government{{snd}}[[Minister of Defence (India)|Defence]] (2004–06), [[Minister of External Affairs (India)|External Affairs]] (2006–09), and [[Finance minister of india|Finance]] (2009–12){{snd}}apart from heading several Groups of Ministers (GoMs) and being [[Leader of the House (Lok Sabha)|Leader of the House]] in the [[Lok Sabha]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pranab Mukherjee|url=https://indianexpress.com/about/pranab-mukherjee/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817133027/https://indianexpress.com/about/pranab-mukherjee/|archive-date=17 August 2020|access-date=4 December 2020|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> After securing the UPA's nomination for the country's presidency in July 2012, Mukherjee comfortably defeated [[P. A. Sangma]] in the race to the [[Rashtrapati Bhavan]] (the Indian presidential residence), winning 70 percent of the [[Electoral College (India)|electoral-college]] vote.<ref>{{Cite web|date=22 July 2012|title=India votes Pranab Mukherjee as 13th President of India.|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-22/india/32787938_1_vote-value-mukherjee-and-sangma-india-s-13th-president|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929004506/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-22/india/32787938_1_vote-value-mukherjee-and-sangma-india-s-13th-president|archive-date=29 September 2013|access-date=4 December 2020|website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> | ||
In 2017, Mukherjee decided not to run for [[2017 Indian presidential election|re-election]] and to retire from politics after leaving the presidency due to "health complications relating to old age." His term expired on 25 July 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.manoramaonline.com/news/columns/national-scrutiny/sharad-pawar-president-candidate-pranab-mukherjee-ncp.html |title=And the next President is... |author=Sachidananda Murthy |date=27 December 2015 |website=english.manoramaonline.com/home.html |publisher=Manorama Online |access-date=28 April 2016 |archive-date=26 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426112523/http://english.manoramaonline.com/news/columns/national-scrutiny/sharad-pawar-president-candidate-pranab-mukherjee-ncp.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/politics/presidential-election-2017-pranab-mukherjee-retires-in-july-this-is-how-india-elects-its-president-3418668.html|title=Presidential Election 2017: Pranab Mukherjee retires in July, this is how India elects its president|date=2 May 2017|access-date=22 August 2017|archive-date=22 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822223454/http://www.firstpost.com/politics/presidential-election-2017-pranab-mukherjee-retires-in-july-this-is-how-india-elects-its-president-3418668.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/presidential-election-2017-not-in-race-for-another-term-says-pranab-mukherjee-3480729.html|title=Presidential Election 2017: Not in race for another term, says Pranab Mukherjee|date=25 May 2017|access-date=22 August 2017|archive-date=22 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822221645/http://www.firstpost.com/india/presidential-election-2017-not-in-race-for-another-term-says-pranab-mukherjee-3480729.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> He was succeeded as [[President of India|President]] by [[Ram Nath Kovind]]. In June 2018, Mukherjee became the first former President of India to address a [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] (RSS) event.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pranab-mukherjee-describes-rss-founder-hedgewar-as-great-son-of-mother-india/articleshow/64496644.cms|title=Pranab Mukherjee describes RSS founder Hedgewar as 'great son of Mother India'|work=The Times of India|access-date=14 August 2018|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133138/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pranab-mukherjee-describes-rss-founder-hedgewar-as-great-son-of-mother-india/articleshow/64496644.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> | In 2017, Mukherjee decided not to run for [[2017 Indian presidential election|re-election]] and to retire from politics after leaving the presidency due to "health complications relating to old age." His term expired on 25 July 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.manoramaonline.com/news/columns/national-scrutiny/sharad-pawar-president-candidate-pranab-mukherjee-ncp.html |title=And the next President is... |author=Sachidananda Murthy |date=27 December 2015 |website=english.manoramaonline.com/home.html |publisher=Manorama Online |access-date=28 April 2016 |archive-date=26 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426112523/http://english.manoramaonline.com/news/columns/national-scrutiny/sharad-pawar-president-candidate-pranab-mukherjee-ncp.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/politics/presidential-election-2017-pranab-mukherjee-retires-in-july-this-is-how-india-elects-its-president-3418668.html|title=Presidential Election 2017: Pranab Mukherjee retires in July, this is how India elects its president|date=2 May 2017|access-date=22 August 2017|archive-date=22 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822223454/http://www.firstpost.com/politics/presidential-election-2017-pranab-mukherjee-retires-in-july-this-is-how-india-elects-its-president-3418668.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/presidential-election-2017-not-in-race-for-another-term-says-pranab-mukherjee-3480729.html|title=Presidential Election 2017: Not in race for another term, says Pranab Mukherjee|date=25 May 2017|access-date=22 August 2017|archive-date=22 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822221645/http://www.firstpost.com/india/presidential-election-2017-not-in-race-for-another-term-says-pranab-mukherjee-3480729.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> He was succeeded as [[President of India|President]] by [[Ram Nath Kovind]]. In June 2018, Mukherjee became the first former President of India to address a [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] (RSS) event.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pranab-mukherjee-describes-rss-founder-hedgewar-as-great-son-of-mother-india/articleshow/64496644.cms|title=Pranab Mukherjee describes RSS founder Hedgewar as 'great son of Mother India'|work=The Times of India|access-date=14 August 2018|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133138/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pranab-mukherjee-describes-rss-founder-hedgewar-as-great-son-of-mother-india/articleshow/64496644.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
[[File:The President of Nepal, Ms. Bidya Devi Bhandari meeting the President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on April 18, 2017.jpg|thumb|right|Mukherjee with [[President of Nepal]] [[Bidhya Devi Bhandari]]]] | |||
==Early life and education== | ==Early life and education== | ||
Pranab Mukherjee was born into a [[Bengali Brahmin]] family in [[Mirati]], a village in the [[Bengal Presidency]] of [[British Raj|British India]] (now in [[Birbhum district]], [[West Bengal]]).<ref>{{cite news|date=11 October 2011|title=Protocol to keep President Pranab off Puja customs|work=Hindustan Times|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/protocol-to-keep-president-pranab-off-puja-customs/article1-943150.aspx|access-date=12 July 2012|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133141/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/protocol-to-keep-president-pranab-off-puja-customs/story-85VNL9oUY0er5Vj1TxLPyH.html|url-status= | Pranab Mukherjee was born on 11 December 1935<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pranab Mukherjee {{!}} Biography & Facts|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Pranab-Mukherjee|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526171956/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Pranab-Mukherjee|archive-date=26 May 2019|access-date=31 August 2020|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref> into a [[Bengali Brahmin]] family in [[Mirati]], a village in the [[Bengal Presidency]] of [[British Raj|British India]] (now in [[Birbhum district]], [[West Bengal]]).<ref>{{cite news|date=11 October 2011|title=Protocol to keep President Pranab off Puja customs|work=Hindustan Times|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/protocol-to-keep-president-pranab-off-puja-customs/article1-943150.aspx|access-date=12 July 2012|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133141/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/protocol-to-keep-president-pranab-off-puja-customs/story-85VNL9oUY0er5Vj1TxLPyH.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> His father, [[Kamada Kinkar Mukherjee]], was active in the [[Indian independence movement]] and was a member of the West Bengal Legislative Council between 1952 and 1964 as a representative of the Indian National Congress; he was also a member of AICC. His mother was Rajlakshmi Mukherjee.<ref name="NDTV3">{{cite web|date=15 June 2012|title=Who is Pranab Mukherjee?|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/people/who-is-pranab-mukherjee-231318|access-date=11 July 2012|publisher=NDTV|archive-date=31 August 2013|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6JIB2hESS?url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/people/who-is-pranab-mukherjee-231318|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="PMI">{{cite web|title=Biography|url=http://www.pranabmukherjee.in/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100904170154/http://www.pranabmukherjee.in/|archive-date=4 September 2010|access-date=11 July 2012|publisher=Pranab Mukherjee}}</ref><ref name="europe.eu2">{{cite web|date=22 June 2012|title=About Pranab Mukherjee|url=http://www.feps-europe.eu/assets/5351e32e-1422-4ba2-b339-2dea6d38ddb1/2012%2007%2025%20pranab%20mukherjee%20-%2013th%20president%20of%20india%20-%20kv.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924011809/http://www.feps-europe.eu/assets/5351e32e-1422-4ba2-b339-2dea6d38ddb1/2012%2007%2025%20pranab%20mukherjee%20-%2013th%20president%20of%20india%20-%20kv.pdf|archive-date=24 September 2015|access-date=11 July 2012|publisher=Europe.eu}}</ref> He had two siblings: older sister Annapurna Banarjee (1928–2020) and older brother Piyush Mukherjee (1931–2017).<ref>{{cite news|last1=Singh|first1=Shiv Sahay|date=26 July 2012|title=Proud siblings recall Poltu's journey from Birbhum|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/proud-siblings-recall-poltus-journey-from-birbhum/article3683655.ece|access-date=31 August 2020|website=The Hindu|language=en-IN|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133141/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/proud-siblings-recall-poltus-journey-from-birbhum/article3683655.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
Mukherjee attended [[Suri Vidyasagar College]] in [[Suri (Birbhum)|Suri]] (Birbhum), which was then affiliated to the [[University of Calcutta]].<ref name="GOVT2">{{cite web|title=Shri Pranab Mukherjee|url=http://india.gov.in/govt/loksabhampbiodata.php?mpcode=4195|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514145924/http://india.gov.in/govt/loksabhampbiodata.php?mpcode=4195|archive-date=14 May 2011|access-date=11 July 2012|publisher=Government of India}}</ref> He subsequently earned an MA degree in [[political science]] and [[history]] and an LL.B. degree, both from the [[University of Calcutta]]<ref name="PMI" /> | Mukherjee attended [[Suri Vidyasagar College]] in [[Suri (Birbhum)|Suri]] (Birbhum), which was then affiliated to the [[University of Calcutta]].<ref name="GOVT2">{{cite web|title=Shri Pranab Mukherjee|url=http://india.gov.in/govt/loksabhampbiodata.php?mpcode=4195|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514145924/http://india.gov.in/govt/loksabhampbiodata.php?mpcode=4195|archive-date=14 May 2011|access-date=11 July 2012|publisher=Government of India}}</ref> He subsequently earned an MA degree in [[political science]] and [[history]] and an LL.B. degree, both from the [[University of Calcutta]]<ref name="PMI" /> | ||
He was an upper-division clerk in the Office of the Deputy Accountant-General (Post and Telegraph) in [[Calcutta]]. In 1963, he became a lecturer (Assistant Professor) of Political Science at Vidyanagar College, Kolkata<ref>{{cite web |author1=Debashis Konar |title=President Pranab Mukherjee to visit Vidyanagar College where he taught in 1960s |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/President-Pranab-Mukherjee-to-visit-Vidyanagar-College-where-he-taught-in-1960s/articleshow/50442977.cms |website=Times of India |access-date=1 September 2020 |date=4 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Team|first=DNA Web|date=8 September 2018|title=Ex-President Pranab Mukherjee to teach public policy at IIM Ahmedabad|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-ex-president-pranab-mukherjee-to-teach-public-policy-at-iim-ahmedabad-2660776|access-date=1 September 2020|website=DNA India|language=en}}</ref> and he also worked as a journalist at ''Desher Dak'' (Call of the Motherland) before entering politics.<ref name="IE2">{{cite web|date=23 May 2009|title=FM Pranab's first priority: Presenting budget 09-10|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/fm-pranabs-first-priority-presenting-budget-0910/464858/0|access-date=23 May 2009|work=The Indian Express|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133143/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/fm-pranabs-first-priority-presenting-budget-0910/464858/0|url-status=live}}</ref> Mukherjee first ran for public office in 1969, when he won a seat in the Rajya Sabha (upper house) of the Indian parliament as a member of the Bangla Congress, which soon merged with the Congress Party. He served an additional four terms, although he left that chamber in 2004 and contested and won a seat in the Lok Sabha (lower house). He served there until mid-2012, when he ran for president of India.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pranab Mukherjee {{!}} Biography & Facts|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Pranab-Mukherjee|access-date=16 December 2020|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref> | He was an upper-division clerk in the Office of the Deputy Accountant-General (Post and Telegraph) in [[Calcutta]]. In 1963, he became a lecturer (Assistant Professor) of Political Science at Vidyanagar College, Kolkata, affiliated to the University of Calcutta<ref>{{cite web |author1=Debashis Konar |title=President Pranab Mukherjee to visit Vidyanagar College where he taught in 1960s |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/President-Pranab-Mukherjee-to-visit-Vidyanagar-College-where-he-taught-in-1960s/articleshow/50442977.cms |website=Times of India |access-date=1 September 2020 |date=4 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Team|first=DNA Web|date=8 September 2018|title=Ex-President Pranab Mukherjee to teach public policy at IIM Ahmedabad|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-ex-president-pranab-mukherjee-to-teach-public-policy-at-iim-ahmedabad-2660776|access-date=1 September 2020|website=DNA India|language=en}}</ref> and he also worked as a journalist at ''Desher Dak'' (Call of the Motherland) before entering politics.<ref name="IE2">{{cite web|date=23 May 2009|title=FM Pranab's first priority: Presenting budget 09-10|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/fm-pranabs-first-priority-presenting-budget-0910/464858/0|access-date=23 May 2009|work=The Indian Express|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133143/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/fm-pranabs-first-priority-presenting-budget-0910/464858/0|url-status=live}}</ref> Mukherjee first ran for public office in 1969, when he won a seat in the Rajya Sabha (upper house) of the Indian parliament as a member of the Bangla Congress, which soon merged with the Congress Party. He served an additional four terms, although he left that chamber in 2004 and contested and won a seat in the Lok Sabha (lower house). He served there until mid-2012, when he ran for president of India.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pranab Mukherjee {{!}} Biography & Facts|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Pranab-Mukherjee|access-date=16 December 2020|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref> | ||
==Political career== | ==Political career== | ||
Mukherjee started his political career in 1967 as a founding member of the [[Bangla Congress]].<ref name="BanglaCongressDH" /> Ahead of the [[1967 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election|1967 election]], he played a crucial role in forging the [[United Front (West Bengal)|United Front alliance]] against the [[Indian National Congress]].<ref name="BanglaCongressDH" /> In 1969, he managed the successful [[Medinipur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Midnapore]] [[by-election]] campaign of an independent candidate, [[V. K. Krishna Menon]]. He became a [[Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha|member of the Rajya Sabha]] (the [[upper house]] of [[Indian parliament]]) in July 1969 on a [[Bangla Congress]] ticket.<ref name="BanglaCongressDH" >{{cite news|url =https://www.deccanherald.com/national/defeating-congress-in-1967-west-bengal-polls-pranab-mukherjee-had-an-idea-it-worked-880567.html|title =Defeating Congress in 1967 West Bengal polls: Pranab Mukherjee had an idea, it worked!|publisher =Deccan Herald|date =31 August 2020|website =deccanherald.com|author =Shemin Joy|access-date =31 August 2020|archive-date =1 September 2020|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040942/https://www.deccanherald.com/national/defeating-congress-in-1967-west-bengal-polls-pranab-mukherjee-had-an-idea-it-worked-880567.html|url-status =live}}</ref> Mukherjee soon became the medium of exchanging confidential notes between [[Indira Gandhi]] and [[Ajoy Mukherjee]].<ref>{{cite news |url =https://www.indiatoday.in/india/north/story/president-pranab-mukherjee-as-rajya-sabha-lok-sabha-mp-110881-2012-07-24|title =As a debutant MP, Pranab quickly earned the respect of his Rajya Sabha colleagues|publisher =India Today|date =24 July 2012|author =Nimai Bhattacharya|access-date =3 September 2020}}</ref> In 1972, [[Indira Gandhi]] recruited him to the [[Indian National Congress]] along with merging the [[Bangla Congress]] into the party.<ref name="Footsteps of Pranab">{{cite web|url=http://www.mathrubhumi.com/english/story.php?id=125466|title=Footsteps of Pranab|publisher=Mathrubhumi|date=29 June 2012|access-date=11 July 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711090242/http://www.mathrubhumi.com/english/story.php?id=125466|archive-date=11 July 2012}}</ref> Mukherjee was re-elected to the house in 1975, 1981, 1993, and 1999.<ref name="GOVT2"/> | Mukherjee started his political career in 1967 as a founding member of the [[Bangla Congress]].<ref name="BanglaCongressDH" /> Ahead of the [[1967 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election|1967 election]], he played a crucial role in forging the [[United Front (West Bengal)|United Front alliance]] against the [[Indian National Congress]].<ref name="BanglaCongressDH" /> In 1969, he managed the successful [[Medinipur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Midnapore]] [[by-election]] campaign of an independent candidate, [[V. K. Krishna Menon]]. He became a [[Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha|member of the Rajya Sabha]] (the [[upper house]] of [[Indian parliament]]) in July 1969 on a [[Bangla Congress]] ticket.<ref name="BanglaCongressDH" >{{cite news|url =https://www.deccanherald.com/national/defeating-congress-in-1967-west-bengal-polls-pranab-mukherjee-had-an-idea-it-worked-880567.html|title =Defeating Congress in 1967 West Bengal polls: Pranab Mukherjee had an idea, it worked!|publisher =Deccan Herald|date =31 August 2020|website =deccanherald.com|author =Shemin Joy|access-date =31 August 2020|archive-date =1 September 2020|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040942/https://www.deccanherald.com/national/defeating-congress-in-1967-west-bengal-polls-pranab-mukherjee-had-an-idea-it-worked-880567.html|url-status =live}}</ref> Mukherjee soon became the medium of exchanging confidential notes between [[Indira Gandhi]] and [[Ajoy Mukherjee]].<ref>{{cite news |url =https://www.indiatoday.in/india/north/story/president-pranab-mukherjee-as-rajya-sabha-lok-sabha-mp-110881-2012-07-24|title =As a debutant MP, Pranab quickly earned the respect of his Rajya Sabha colleagues|publisher =India Today|date =24 July 2012|author =Nimai Bhattacharya|access-date =3 September 2020}}</ref> In 1972, [[Indira Gandhi]] recruited him to the [[Indian National Congress]] along with merging the [[Bangla Congress]] into the party.<ref name="Footsteps of Pranab">{{cite web|url=http://www.mathrubhumi.com/english/story.php?id=125466|title=Footsteps of Pranab|publisher=Mathrubhumi|date=29 June 2012|access-date=11 July 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711090242/http://www.mathrubhumi.com/english/story.php?id=125466|archive-date=11 July 2012}}</ref> Mukherjee was re-elected to the house in 1975, 1981, 1993, and 1999.<ref name="GOVT2"/> | ||
He became a Gandhi loyalist and was often described as her "man for all seasons."<ref name="Pranab Mukherjee's USP for President: sheer experience">{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/pranab-mukherjee-and-the-wealth-of-experience/254613-3.html|title=Pranab Mukherjee's USP for President: sheer experience|work=ibnlive|date=4 May 2012|access-date=11 July 2012|archive-date=20 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620091111/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/pranab-mukherjee-and-the-wealth-of-experience/254613-3.html|url-status= | He became a Gandhi loyalist and was often described as her "man for all seasons."<ref name="Pranab Mukherjee's USP for President: sheer experience">{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/pranab-mukherjee-and-the-wealth-of-experience/254613-3.html|title=Pranab Mukherjee's USP for President: sheer experience|work=ibnlive|date=4 May 2012|access-date=11 July 2012|archive-date=20 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620091111/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/pranab-mukherjee-and-the-wealth-of-experience/254613-3.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Mukherjee's rise was rapid in the early phase of his career and he was appointed Union Deputy Minister of Industrial Development in Indira Gandhi's cabinet in 1973. He was active in the Indian cabinet during the controversial [[the Emergency (India)|Internal Emergency]] of 1975–77. Ruling Congress politicians of the day including Mukherjee were accused of using extra-constitutional powers to "wreck established norms and rules of governance". Following Congress's defeat in the 1977 general elections, the newly formed Janata government-appointed [[Shah Commission]] indicted Mukherjee; however, the commission was itself indicted in 1979 for stepping "outside its jurisdiction". Mukherjee emerged unscathed and rose through a series of cabinet posts to become [[Finance Minister of India|Finance Minister]] from 1982 to 1984.<ref name="Mitra">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/The-tallest-short-man/H1-Article1-512958.aspx|title=The tallest short man|work=Sumit Mitra|publisher=The Hindustan Times, 26 February 2010|access-date=27 February 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100305062958/http://www.hindustantimes.com/The-tallest-short-man/H1-Article1-512958.aspx|archive-date=5 March 2010}}</ref><ref>[http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/20000704/ina04002.html How they buried Shah Commission report, even without an epitaph] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121183657/http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/20000704/ina04002.html |date=21 November 2010 }} Indian Express – 4 July 2000</ref> | ||
His term was noted for his work in improving the finances of the government, which enabled Gandhi to score a political point by returning the last instalment of India's first [[International Monetary Fund|IMF]] loan.<ref name="auto">{{Cite news|last=Baru|first=Sanjaya|date=22 February 2010|title=Sanjaya Baru: The Pranab Mukherjee Budget|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/sanjaya-baru-the-pranab-mukherjee-budget-110022200019_1.html|access-date=1 September 2020|archive-date=29 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629073102/https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/sanjaya-baru-the-pranab-mukherjee-budget-110022200019_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As Finance Minister, Mukherjee signed the letter appointing [[Manmohan Singh]] as [[RBI Governor|Governor]] of the [[Reserve Bank of India]].<ref name="Footsteps of Pranab"/> | His term was noted for his work in improving the finances of the government, which enabled Gandhi to score a political point by returning the last instalment of India's first [[International Monetary Fund|IMF]] loan.<ref name="auto">{{Cite news|last=Baru|first=Sanjaya|date=22 February 2010|title=Sanjaya Baru: The Pranab Mukherjee Budget|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/sanjaya-baru-the-pranab-mukherjee-budget-110022200019_1.html|access-date=1 September 2020|archive-date=29 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629073102/https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/sanjaya-baru-the-pranab-mukherjee-budget-110022200019_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As Finance Minister, Mukherjee signed the letter appointing [[Manmohan Singh]] as [[RBI Governor|Governor]] of the [[Reserve Bank of India]].<ref name="Footsteps of Pranab"/> | ||
[[File:Pranab Mukherjee, Finance Minister of India addressing the delegates at Regional Conference of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.jpg|thumb|Pranab Mukherjee addresses delegates of the 42nd Regional Conference of SIRC, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.]] | |||
In 1979, Mukherjee became Deputy Leader of the INC in the Rajya Sabha, and in 1980, he was appointed Leader of the House.<ref name="GOVT2"/> He was considered the top-ranking Indian cabinet minister and he presided over cabinet meetings in the absence of the Prime Minister.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pranabmukherjee.nic.in/profile.html|title=Pranab Mukherjee|website=pranabmukherjee|access-date=10 October 2019|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133202/http://pranabmukherjee.nic.in/profile.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | In 1979, Mukherjee became Deputy Leader of the INC in the Rajya Sabha, and in 1980, he was appointed Leader of the House.<ref name="GOVT2"/> He was considered the top-ranking Indian cabinet minister and he presided over cabinet meetings in the absence of the Prime Minister.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pranabmukherjee.nic.in/profile.html|title=Pranab Mukherjee|website=pranabmukherjee|access-date=10 October 2019|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133202/http://pranabmukherjee.nic.in/profile.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
Mukherjee was sidelined from the INC following [[Assassination of Indira Gandhi|the assassination of Indira Gandhi]]. Although he was much more experienced in politics than Indira's son, Rajiv Gandhi, it was Rajiv who gained control. Mukherjee lost his position in the cabinet and was sent to manage the regional [[West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee]]. He was considered to be Indira's likely successor and, siding with those within his party who aligned themselves against Rajiv Gandhi, Mukherjee was sidelined and eventually expelled from the mainstream.<ref name="Pranab Mukherjee's USP for President: sheer experience"/><ref name="zee news">{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/exclusive/pranab-mukherjee-the-13th-president-of-india_789045.html|archive-url=https://archive. | Mukherjee was sidelined from the INC following [[Assassination of Indira Gandhi|the assassination of Indira Gandhi]]. Although he was much more experienced in politics than Indira's son, Rajiv Gandhi, it was Rajiv who gained control. Mukherjee lost his position in the cabinet and was sent to manage the regional [[West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee]]. He was considered to be Indira's likely successor and, siding with those within his party who aligned themselves against Rajiv Gandhi, Mukherjee was sidelined and eventually expelled from the mainstream.<ref name="Pranab Mukherjee's USP for President: sheer experience"/><ref name="zee news">{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/exclusive/pranab-mukherjee-the-13th-president-of-india_789045.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103112035/http://zeenews.india.com/news/exclusive/pranab-mukherjee-the-13th-president-of-india_789045.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 January 2013|title=Pranab Mukherjee – The 13th President of India|publisher=Zee News|date=22 July 2012|access-date=22 July 2012}}</ref> | ||
In 1986, Mukherjee founded another party, the [[Rashtriya Samajwadi Congress]] (RSC), in West Bengal. The RSC and INC merged three years later after a compromise was reached with Rajiv Gandhi. The RSC had fared terribly in the 1987 Assembly polls in West Bengal. Many analysts, over the years, have attributed the muting of Mukherjee's political aspirations as the supreme leader to his inability to emerge as a magnetic mass leader.<ref name="Pranab Mukherjee's USP for President: sheer experience"/> On later being asked whether he ever desired to become Prime Minister, Mukherjee replied, "[[7 Race Course Road|7 RCR]] was never my destination."<ref name="zee news2">{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/zee-exclusive/i-won-t-be-a-unique-president-pranab-mukherjee_788923.html|title=I won't be a unique President: Pranab Mukherjee|publisher=Zee News|date=24 July 2012|access-date=9 August 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523125957/http://zeenews.india.com/news/zee-exclusive/i-won-t-be-a-unique-president-pranab-mukherjee_788923.html|archive-date=23 May 2013}}</ref> [[Zee News]] noted: "The statement assumes heft in the light of the longstanding speculation that Mukherjee, as one of the doyens of Congress, always nursed an ambition to occupy the top executive post".<ref name="zee news2"/> | In 1986, Mukherjee founded another party, the [[Rashtriya Samajwadi Congress]] (RSC), in West Bengal. The RSC and INC merged three years later after a compromise was reached with Rajiv Gandhi. The RSC had fared terribly in the 1987 Assembly polls in West Bengal. Many analysts, over the years, have attributed the muting of Mukherjee's political aspirations as the supreme leader to his inability to emerge as a magnetic mass leader.<ref name="Pranab Mukherjee's USP for President: sheer experience"/> On later being asked whether he ever desired to become Prime Minister, Mukherjee replied, "[[7 Race Course Road|7 RCR]] was never my destination."<ref name="zee news2">{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/zee-exclusive/i-won-t-be-a-unique-president-pranab-mukherjee_788923.html|title=I won't be a unique President: Pranab Mukherjee|publisher=Zee News|date=24 July 2012|access-date=9 August 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523125957/http://zeenews.india.com/news/zee-exclusive/i-won-t-be-a-unique-president-pranab-mukherjee_788923.html|archive-date=23 May 2013}}</ref> [[Zee News]] noted: "The statement assumes heft in the light of the longstanding speculation that Mukherjee, as one of the doyens of Congress, always nursed an ambition to occupy the top executive post".<ref name="zee news2"/> | ||
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Mukherjee was considered to be a Gandhi family loyalist and the principal architect of Sonia Gandhi's entry into politics, a mentoring responsibility he was believed to have continued shouldering.<ref name="Pranab Mukherjee's USP for President: sheer experience"/> He was made General Secretary of the AICC in 1998–99 after Sonia Gandhi became Congress President. Mukherjee was made President of the West Bengal Congress in 2000 and held the position until his resignation in 2010. He had earlier held the position in 1985.<ref name="PMI"/> | Mukherjee was considered to be a Gandhi family loyalist and the principal architect of Sonia Gandhi's entry into politics, a mentoring responsibility he was believed to have continued shouldering.<ref name="Pranab Mukherjee's USP for President: sheer experience"/> He was made General Secretary of the AICC in 1998–99 after Sonia Gandhi became Congress President. Mukherjee was made President of the West Bengal Congress in 2000 and held the position until his resignation in 2010. He had earlier held the position in 1985.<ref name="PMI"/> | ||
Mukherjee became Leader of the House in the [[Lok Sabha]] in 2004.<ref name="GOVT2"/> He contested and won a Lok Sabha seat from [[Jangipur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Jangipur]] in West Bengal, which he would later retain in 2009. It was speculated in 2004 that Mukherjee would be made Prime Minister of India after Sonia Gandhi declined to become Prime Minister; however, Manmohan Singh was chosen instead.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://theprint.in/politics/pranab-mukherjee-man-who-knew-too-much-but-was-a-rahul-dravid-like-wall-for-congress/486181/ |title= | Mukherjee became Leader of the House in the [[Lok Sabha]] in 2004.<ref name="GOVT2"/> He contested and won a Lok Sabha seat from [[Jangipur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Jangipur]] in West Bengal, which he would later retain in 2009. It was speculated in 2004 that Mukherjee would be made Prime Minister of India after Sonia Gandhi declined to become Prime Minister; however, Manmohan Singh was chosen instead.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://theprint.in/politics/pranab-mukherjee-man-who-knew-too-much-but-was-a-rahul-dravid-like-wall-for-congress/486181/ |title=Pranab Mukherjee – 'man who knew too much' |date=31 August 2020 |access-date=31 August 2020 |archive-date=1 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040908/https://theprint.in/politics/pranab-mukherjee-man-who-knew-too-much-but-was-a-rahul-dravid-like-wall-for-congress/486181/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
Mukherjee was briefly considered for the post of the largely ceremonial Indian presidency in 2007, but his name was subsequently dropped after his contribution in the Union Cabinet was considered practically indispensable.<ref name="zee news"/> | Mukherjee was briefly considered for the post of the largely ceremonial Indian presidency in 2007, but his name was subsequently dropped after his contribution in the Union Cabinet was considered practically indispensable.<ref name="zee news"/> | ||
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==Union Cabinet Minister== | ==Union Cabinet Minister== | ||
===Minister of Defence=== | ===Minister of Defence=== | ||
Despite increasing co-operation with the United States, Mukherjee maintained that Russia would remain India's 'topmost' defence partner. He asserted that "Russia has been and will remain India's largest defence partner in the years to come" while inaugurating the 5th session of the Indo-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC) in Moscow in 2005.<ref name="TOI2">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-11-15/rest-of-world/27861142_1_military-technical-cooperation-admiral-gorshkov-aircraft-carrier-defence-partner|title=Russia to remain India's topmost defence partner|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=15 November 2005|access-date=9 August 2012|archive-date=30 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430135643/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-11-15/rest-of-world/27861142_1_military-technical-cooperation-admiral-gorshkov-aircraft-carrier-defence-partner|url-status= | [[File:Pranab Mukherhee escorts Donald H. Rumsfeld.jpg|thumb|Defence Minister Mukherjee escorts Secretary of Defense [[Donald H. Rumsfeld]] as he arrives at the [[South Block]] building in [[New Delhi]], 2004.]] | ||
Manmohan Singh appointed Mukherjee as the [[Minister of Defence (India)|Minister of Defence]] of India when the Congress Party once again came to power in 2004. Mukherjee held the post until 2006. He expanded co-operation with the United States during his tenure. ''[[The Times of India]]'' reported on the [[Wikileaks cables]] release and noted how the U.S. was full of praise for the "uniformed leadership" of [[Indian armed forces]]. Mukherjee in June 2005 had inked the ten-year Indo-US Defence Framework deal.<ref name="TOI">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-06/india/30118195_1_logistics-support-agreement-communication-interoperability-geo-spatial-cooperation|title=US preferred Pranab Mukherjee over AK Antony as defence minister|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=6 September 2011|access-date=12 July 2012|archive-date=19 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419112910/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-06/india/30118195_1_logistics-support-agreement-communication-interoperability-geo-spatial-cooperation|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
Despite increasing co-operation with the United States, Mukherjee maintained that Russia would remain India's 'topmost' defence partner. He asserted that "Russia has been and will remain India's largest defence partner in the years to come" while inaugurating the 5th session of the Indo-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC) in Moscow in 2005.<ref name="TOI2">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-11-15/rest-of-world/27861142_1_military-technical-cooperation-admiral-gorshkov-aircraft-carrier-defence-partner|title=Russia to remain India's topmost defence partner|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=15 November 2005|access-date=9 August 2012|archive-date=30 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430135643/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-11-15/rest-of-world/27861142_1_military-technical-cooperation-admiral-gorshkov-aircraft-carrier-defence-partner|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
Russia and India held their first joint anti-terror war games in [[Rajasthan]] in October 2005, during which Mukherjee and Russian Defence Minister [[Sergei Ivanov]] narrowly escaped injury after a heavy [[Mortar (weapon)|mortar]] landed several metres from their platform.<ref name="SW">{{cite web|url=http://www.spacewar.com/news/india-05zzs.html|title=Russia Hails Defence Cooperation With India|publisher=Spacewar|date=15 November 2005|access-date=9 August 2012|archive-date=17 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017184900/http://www.spacewar.com/news/india-05zzs.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Russian ministry subsequently declared its hopes to follow up joint military exercises in India with further joint exercises on Russian territory.<ref name="SW"/> | Russia and India held their first joint anti-terror war games in [[Rajasthan]] in October 2005, during which Mukherjee and Russian Defence Minister [[Sergei Ivanov]] narrowly escaped injury after a heavy [[Mortar (weapon)|mortar]] landed several metres from their platform.<ref name="SW">{{cite web|url=http://www.spacewar.com/news/india-05zzs.html|title=Russia Hails Defence Cooperation With India|publisher=Spacewar|date=15 November 2005|access-date=9 August 2012|archive-date=17 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017184900/http://www.spacewar.com/news/india-05zzs.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Russian ministry subsequently declared its hopes to follow up joint military exercises in India with further joint exercises on Russian territory.<ref name="SW"/> | ||
[[File:Bush meets Pranab Mukherjee.jpg|thumb|left|External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee with US President [[George W. Bush]] in 2008]] | |||
===Minister of External Affairs=== | ===Minister of External Affairs=== | ||
[[File:Rice-Mukherjee sign US-India Civilian Nuclear Cooperation Agreement.jpg|thumb|right|External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee with Secretary [[Condoleezza Rice]] after signing the [[India–United States Civil Nuclear Agreement]]]] | |||
Mukherjee was appointed External Affairs Minister of India in 1995. Under his leadership, India was made "Full Dialogue Partner" of [[ASEAN]] as part of the [[Look East policy (India)|Look East foreign policy]] initiated by Narasimha Rao. Mukherjee left the position in 1996.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pranab Mukherjee {{!}} Biography & Facts|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Pranab-Mukherjee|access-date=1 September 2020|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en|archive-date=26 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526171956/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Pranab-Mukherjee|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Jha|first=Ganganath|date=1 October 2008|title=India's Dialogue Partnership with ASEAN|journal=India Quarterly|language=en|volume=64|issue=4|pages=1–34|doi=10.1177/097492840806400401|s2cid=153913814|issn=0974-9284}}</ref> | Mukherjee was appointed External Affairs Minister of India in 1995. Under his leadership, India was made "Full Dialogue Partner" of [[ASEAN]] as part of the [[Look East policy (India)|Look East foreign policy]] initiated by Narasimha Rao. Mukherjee left the position in 1996.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pranab Mukherjee {{!}} Biography & Facts|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Pranab-Mukherjee|access-date=1 September 2020|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en|archive-date=26 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526171956/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Pranab-Mukherjee|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Jha|first=Ganganath|date=1 October 2008|title=India's Dialogue Partnership with ASEAN|journal=India Quarterly|language=en|volume=64|issue=4|pages=1–34|doi=10.1177/097492840806400401|s2cid=153913814|issn=0974-9284}}</ref> | ||
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===Minister of Finance=== | ===Minister of Finance=== | ||
[[File:Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.jpg|thumb|left|Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee with United States Secretary of State [[Hillary Clinton]] in [[Washington, D.C.]], 2011]] | |||
Mukherjee's first stint as the Finance Minister of India was during the [[Indira Gandhi]] government in 1982. He presented his first annual budget in 1982–83. His first term was noted for the work he did to improve the finances of the government and for successfully returning the last instalment of India's first | Mukherjee's first stint as the Finance Minister of India was during the [[Indira Gandhi]] government in 1982. He presented his first annual budget in 1982–83. His first term was noted for the work he did to improve the finances of the government and for successfully returning the last instalment of India's first | ||
[[IMF]] loan.<ref name="auto"/> Mukherjee signed the letter appointing Manmohan Singh as the Governor of the [[Reserve Bank of India]] in 1982.<ref name="Footsteps of Pranab"/> He was accused of patronage practices in the [[Dhirubhai Ambani|Ambani]]–[[Nusli Wadia|Wadia]] industrial feuds.<ref name="Aggarwal 1990">{{Cite book|last=Aggarwal|first=S. K.|title=The Investigative journalism in India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m0ZUwtiTCKYC&q=Investigative+journalism+in+India|access-date=10 October 2011|year=1990|publisher=Mittal Publications|isbn=978-81-7099-224-0|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133158/https://books.google.com/books?id=m0ZUwtiTCKYC&dq=Investigative+journalism+in+India|url-status=live}}</ref> | [[IMF]] loan.<ref name="auto"/> Mukherjee signed the letter appointing Manmohan Singh as the Governor of the [[Reserve Bank of India]] in 1982.<ref name="Footsteps of Pranab"/> He was accused of patronage practices in the [[Dhirubhai Ambani|Ambani]]–[[Nusli Wadia|Wadia]] industrial feuds.<ref name="Aggarwal 1990">{{Cite book|last=Aggarwal|first=S. K.|title=The Investigative journalism in India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m0ZUwtiTCKYC&q=Investigative+journalism+in+India|access-date=10 October 2011|year=1990|publisher=Mittal Publications|isbn=978-81-7099-224-0|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133158/https://books.google.com/books?id=m0ZUwtiTCKYC&dq=Investigative+journalism+in+India|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
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He returned to handling the finances of India during the premiership of Narasimha Rao, after being appointed Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pranab Mukherjee: A consensus builder who left an imprint on modern India|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/aug/31/pranab-mukherjee-a-consensus-builder-who-left-an-imprint-on-modern-india-2190729.html|access-date=1 September 2020|website=The New Indian Express|archive-date=1 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040914/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/aug/31/pranab-mukherjee-a-consensus-builder-who-left-an-imprint-on-modern-india-2190729.html|url-status=live}}</ref> During Mukherjee's tenure of 1991 to 1996, Dr. Manmohan Singh as Finance Minister oversaw many [[Economic liberalisation in India|economic reforms]] to end the [[Licence Raj]] system and help open the Indian economy.<ref name=BBC1>{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3725357.stm |title= India's architect of reforms |access-date= 11 December 2008 |last= Biswas |first= Soutik |date= 14 October 2005 |work= BBC News |archive-date= 30 April 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090430013006/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3725357.stm |url-status= live }}</ref> | He returned to handling the finances of India during the premiership of Narasimha Rao, after being appointed Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pranab Mukherjee: A consensus builder who left an imprint on modern India|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/aug/31/pranab-mukherjee-a-consensus-builder-who-left-an-imprint-on-modern-india-2190729.html|access-date=1 September 2020|website=The New Indian Express|archive-date=1 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040914/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/aug/31/pranab-mukherjee-a-consensus-builder-who-left-an-imprint-on-modern-india-2190729.html|url-status=live}}</ref> During Mukherjee's tenure of 1991 to 1996, Dr. Manmohan Singh as Finance Minister oversaw many [[Economic liberalisation in India|economic reforms]] to end the [[Licence Raj]] system and help open the Indian economy.<ref name=BBC1>{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3725357.stm |title= India's architect of reforms |access-date= 11 December 2008 |last= Biswas |first= Soutik |date= 14 October 2005 |work= BBC News |archive-date= 30 April 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090430013006/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3725357.stm |url-status= live }}</ref> | ||
[[File:Pranab Mukherjee - World Economic Forum Annual Meeting Davos 2009.jpg|thumb|Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee during the [[World Economic Forum|World Economic Summit]] 2009 in New Delhi]] | |||
Mukherjee once again became the Finance Minister of India in 2009. He presented the annual budgets in [[2009 Union budget of India|2009]], [[2010 Union budget of India|2010]], and [[2011 Union budget of India|2011]]. The 2010–11 budget included the country's first explicit target to cut public debt as a proportion of the [[GDP]] and Mukherjee targeted a budget deficit reduction of 4.1% of the GDP in the fiscal year 2012–13, from 6.5% in 2008–09.<ref name=TB/> | Mukherjee once again became the Finance Minister of India in 2009. He presented the annual budgets in [[2009 Union budget of India|2009]], [[2010 Union budget of India|2010]], and [[2011 Union budget of India|2011]]. The 2010–11 budget included the country's first explicit target to cut public debt as a proportion of the [[GDP]] and Mukherjee targeted a budget deficit reduction of 4.1% of the GDP in the fiscal year 2012–13, from 6.5% in 2008–09.<ref name=TB/> | ||
He implemented many tax reforms, including scrapping the [[Fringe Benefits Tax (India)|Fringe Benefits Tax]] and the Commodities Transaction Tax.<ref>{{Cite web|date=6 July 2009|title=Fringe benefit tax abolished|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/business/fringe-benefit-tax-abolished/story-w54pPgAH9TN3SE9ze9fdiI.html|access-date=31 August 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=1 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040931/https://www.hindustantimes.com/business/fringe-benefit-tax-abolished/story-w54pPgAH9TN3SE9ze9fdiI.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He implemented the Goods and Services Tax during his tenure.<ref>{{Cite news|others=PTI|date=13 April 2017|title=President Pranab Mukherjee gives nod to four supporting Bills on GST|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/president-pranab-mukherjee-gives-nod-to-four-supporting-legislations-on-gst/article17982848.ece|access-date=31 August 2020|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=10 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610130246/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/president-pranab-mukherjee-gives-nod-to-four-supporting-legislations-on-gst/article17982848.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> These reforms were well received by major corporate executives and economists. The introduction of retrospective taxation, however, has been criticised by some economists.<ref>{{Cite web|date=27 October 2017|title=Manmohan & Sonia opposed retrospective tax: Pranab Mukherjee|url=https://theprint.in/pageturner/excerpt/retrospective-tax-pranab-mukherjee/13673/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040859/https://theprint.in/pageturner/excerpt/retrospective-tax-pranab-mukherjee/13673/|archive-date=1 September 2020|access-date=31 August 2020|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}</ref> | He implemented many tax reforms, including scrapping the [[Fringe Benefits Tax (India)|Fringe Benefits Tax]] and the Commodities Transaction Tax.<ref>{{Cite web|date=6 July 2009|title=Fringe benefit tax abolished|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/business/fringe-benefit-tax-abolished/story-w54pPgAH9TN3SE9ze9fdiI.html|access-date=31 August 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=1 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040931/https://www.hindustantimes.com/business/fringe-benefit-tax-abolished/story-w54pPgAH9TN3SE9ze9fdiI.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He implemented the Goods and Services Tax during his tenure.<ref>{{Cite news|others=PTI|date=13 April 2017|title=President Pranab Mukherjee gives nod to four supporting Bills on GST|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/president-pranab-mukherjee-gives-nod-to-four-supporting-legislations-on-gst/article17982848.ece|access-date=31 August 2020|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=10 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610130246/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/president-pranab-mukherjee-gives-nod-to-four-supporting-legislations-on-gst/article17982848.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> These reforms were well received by major corporate executives and economists. The introduction of retrospective taxation, however, has been criticised by some economists.<ref>{{Cite web|date=27 October 2017|title=Manmohan & Sonia opposed retrospective tax: Pranab Mukherjee|url=https://theprint.in/pageturner/excerpt/retrospective-tax-pranab-mukherjee/13673/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040859/https://theprint.in/pageturner/excerpt/retrospective-tax-pranab-mukherjee/13673/|archive-date=1 September 2020|access-date=31 August 2020|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
[[File:Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee with Jim Yong Kim at MOF HQ.jpg|left|thumb|Finance Minister of India Pranab Mukherjee with [[President of the World Bank Group]] [[Jim Yong Kim]] at the Ministry of Finance HQ in New Delhi, 2012]] | |||
Mukherjee expanded funding for several social sector schemes including the [[Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission]]. He also supported budget increases for improving [[literacy in India|literacy]] and health care. He expanded infrastructure programmes such as the [[National Highway Development Programme]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=More Funds for Infrastructure Development, Farmers|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/more-funds-for-infrastructure-development-farmers/662289|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040912/https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/more-funds-for-infrastructure-development-farmers/662289|archive-date=1 September 2020|access-date=1 September 2020|website=Outlook India}}</ref> Electricity coverage was also expanded during his tenure. Mukherjee also reaffirmed his commitment to the principle of fiscal prudence as some economists expressed concern about the rising fiscal deficits during his tenure, the highest since 1991. Mukherjee declared the expansion in government spending was only temporary.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Big spender|work=The Economist|url=https://www.economist.com/news/2009/07/07/big-spender|access-date=1 September 2020|issn=0013-0613|archive-date=1 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040901/https://www.economist.com/news/2009/07/07/big-spender|url-status=live}}</ref> | Mukherjee expanded funding for several social sector schemes including the [[Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission]]. He also supported budget increases for improving [[literacy in India|literacy]] and health care. He expanded infrastructure programmes such as the [[National Highway Development Programme]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=More Funds for Infrastructure Development, Farmers|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/more-funds-for-infrastructure-development-farmers/662289|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040912/https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/more-funds-for-infrastructure-development-farmers/662289|archive-date=1 September 2020|access-date=1 September 2020|website=Outlook India}}</ref> Electricity coverage was also expanded during his tenure. Mukherjee also reaffirmed his commitment to the principle of fiscal prudence as some economists expressed concern about the rising fiscal deficits during his tenure, the highest since 1991. Mukherjee declared the expansion in government spending was only temporary.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Big spender|work=The Economist|url=https://www.economist.com/news/2009/07/07/big-spender|access-date=1 September 2020|issn=0013-0613|archive-date=1 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040901/https://www.economist.com/news/2009/07/07/big-spender|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
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|altstyle= Mr. President | |altstyle= Mr. President | ||
|image2=File:Pranab_Mukherjee-World_Economic_Forum_Annual_Meeting_Davos_2009_crop(2).jpg}} | |image2=File:Pranab_Mukherjee-World_Economic_Forum_Annual_Meeting_Davos_2009_crop(2).jpg}} | ||
[[File:President Obama and the First Lady with Indian President Mukherjee and Vice-President Ansari.jpg|left|thumb|President Mukherjee with [[President of the United States|President]] [[Barack Obama]], First Lady [[Michelle Obama]], and Indian Vice-President [[Mohammad Hamid Ansari|Mohammad Ansari]]]] | |||
Mukherjee was nominated as the presidential candidate of the [[United Progressive Alliance]] on 15 June 2012 after considerable political intrigue.<ref>{{cite web|last=Prabhu|first=Chawla|title=Pranab nominated after Mulayam-Sonia secret meet|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/pranab-nominated-after-mulayamsonia-secret-meet/266362-37-64.html|access-date=4 July 2012|archive-date=19 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619091318/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/pranab-nominated-after-mulayamsonia-secret-meet/266362-37-64.html|url-status= | Mukherjee was nominated as the presidential candidate of the [[United Progressive Alliance]] on 15 June 2012 after considerable political intrigue.<ref>{{cite web|last=Prabhu|first=Chawla|title=Pranab nominated after Mulayam-Sonia secret meet|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/pranab-nominated-after-mulayamsonia-secret-meet/266362-37-64.html|access-date=4 July 2012|archive-date=19 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619091318/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/pranab-nominated-after-mulayamsonia-secret-meet/266362-37-64.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://in.news.yahoo.com/hunt-begins-for-head-of-state.html|title=Hunt begins for head of state|date=3 January 2012|work=Yahoo News India|access-date=29 June 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025031731/https://in.news.yahoo.com/hunt-begins-for-head-of-state.html|archive-date=25 October 2014}}</ref> The elections were scheduled to be conducted on 19 July 2012 and the results were expected to be announced on 22 July 2012. The nominee of the [[National Democratic Alliance (India)|National Democratic Alliance]] (NDA) was [[P. A. Sangma]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Pranab Mukherjee, Sangma final candidates for Prez polls|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_pranab-mukherjee-sangma-final-candidates-for-prez-polls_1710719|access-date=4 July 2012|newspaper=Daily News and Analysis|date=4 July 2012|archive-date=6 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120706140153/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_pranab-mukherjee-sangma-final-candidates-for-prez-polls_1710719|url-status=live}}</ref> To file his nomination for the presidential poll on 28 June, Mukherjee resigned from the government on 26 June 2012.<ref name="NDTV2"/> | ||
In the election, Mukherjee received 713,763 votes, while Sangma had 315,987.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/live-counting-of-votes-begins-for-president-poll/272800-37-64.html|title=CNNIBN Blog|access-date=22 July 2012|date=22 July 2012|archive-date=24 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724131911/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/live-counting-of-votes-begins-for-president-poll/272800-37-64.html|url-status= | In the election, Mukherjee received 713,763 votes, while Sangma had 315,987.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/live-counting-of-votes-begins-for-president-poll/272800-37-64.html|title=CNNIBN Blog|access-date=22 July 2012|date=22 July 2012|archive-date=24 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724131911/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/live-counting-of-votes-begins-for-president-poll/272800-37-64.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In his victory speech, delivered outside his residence before the results were officially announced, he said: | ||
{{quote|I would like to express my deep gratitude to all of you who are waiting. The figure has crossed 7{{nbsp}}[[lakhs]], only one state remains. The final figure will come from the returning officer. I would like to thank the people of India for electing me to this high office. The enthusiasm, the warmth of the people was remarkable. I have received much more from the people of this country, from the Parliament, than I have given. Now I have been entrusted with the responsibility of protecting and defending the constitution as President. I will try and justify the trust of the people. I would like to reciprocate the congratulation Shri Purno Sangma has extended.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/blog/show/pranab-mukherjee-all-set-to-become-the-president-of-india-231924?pfrom=home-otherstories|title=NDTV Blog|access-date=22 July 2012|date=22 July 2012|archive-date=22 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722145500/http://www.ndtv.com/blog/show/pranab-mukherjee-all-set-to-become-the-president-of-india-231924?pfrom=home-otherstories|url-status=live}}</ref>}} | {{quote|I would like to express my deep gratitude to all of you who are waiting. The figure has crossed 7{{nbsp}}[[lakhs]], only one state remains. The final figure will come from the returning officer. I would like to thank the people of India for electing me to this high office. The enthusiasm, the warmth of the people was remarkable. I have received much more from the people of this country, from the Parliament, than I have given. Now I have been entrusted with the responsibility of protecting and defending the constitution as President. I will try and justify the trust of the people. I would like to reciprocate the congratulation Shri Purno Sangma has extended.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/blog/show/pranab-mukherjee-all-set-to-become-the-president-of-india-231924?pfrom=home-otherstories|title=NDTV Blog|access-date=22 July 2012|date=22 July 2012|archive-date=22 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722145500/http://www.ndtv.com/blog/show/pranab-mukherjee-all-set-to-become-the-president-of-india-231924?pfrom=home-otherstories|url-status=live}}</ref>}} | ||
Mukherjee was sworn in by the [[Chief Justice of India]] on 25 July 2012,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3681618.ece?homepage=true | title=Pranab Mukherjee sworn-in 13th President | date=25 July 2012 | work=The Hindu | first=Smita | last=Gupta | location=Chennai, India | access-date=25 July 2012 | archive-date=31 August 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133149/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pranab-lays-stress-on-economic-equity/article3681618.ece?homepage=true | url-status=live }}</ref> becoming the first [[Bengali people|Bengali]] to hold the post of President of India.<ref name="zee news2"/> After being administered the oath of office, he stated that we are in the midst of a fourth world war of terror (the third was the Cold war) and what minutes of peace can achieve cannot be achieved in many years of war.<ref>{{cite news | url= http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3682516.ece?homepage=true | title= Fight against terrorism is 4th World War: Pranab | date= 25 July 2012 | work= The Hindu | location= Chennai, India | access-date= 25 July 2012 | archive-date= 31 August 2020 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133209/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/fight-against-terrorism-is-4th-world-war-pranab/article3682516.ece?homepage=true | url-status= live }}</ref> | Mukherjee was sworn in by the [[Chief Justice of India]] on 25 July 2012,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3681618.ece?homepage=true | title=Pranab Mukherjee sworn-in 13th President | date=25 July 2012 | work=The Hindu | first=Smita | last=Gupta | location=Chennai, India | access-date=25 July 2012 | archive-date=31 August 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133149/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pranab-lays-stress-on-economic-equity/article3681618.ece?homepage=true | url-status=live }}</ref> becoming the first [[Bengali people|Bengali]] to hold the post of President of India.<ref name="zee news2"/> After being administered the oath of office, he stated that we are in the midst of a fourth world war of terror (the third was the Cold war) and what minutes of peace can achieve cannot be achieved in many years of war.<ref>{{cite news | url= http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3682516.ece?homepage=true | title= Fight against terrorism is 4th World War: Pranab | date= 25 July 2012 | work= The Hindu | location= Chennai, India | access-date= 25 July 2012 | archive-date= 31 August 2020 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133209/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/fight-against-terrorism-is-4th-world-war-pranab/article3682516.ece?homepage=true | url-status= live }}</ref> | ||
[[File:Возложение венка к Могиле Неизвестного Солдата - 07.jpg|thumb|left|Mukherjee with leaders of Russia, China, South Africa, Vietnam, and Egypt during the [[2015 Moscow Victory Day Parade|Moscow Victory Day Parade]], 9{{nbsp}}May 2015]] | |||
Congress President [[Sonia Gandhi]] and Prime Minister [[Manmohan Singh]] both congratulated Mukherjee on his election as president.<ref name="Zee News 3">{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/zee-exclusive/pm-sonia-congratulate-india-s-new-president-pranab-mukherjee_788999.html|title=PM, Sonia congratulate India's new President Pranab Mukherjee|publisher=Zee News|date=22 July 2012|access-date=1 August 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725170043/http://zeenews.india.com/news/zee-exclusive/pm-sonia-congratulate-india-s-new-president-pranab-mukherjee_788999.html|archive-date=25 July 2012}}</ref> Former Communist leader [[Somnath Chatterjee]] termed Mukherjee as one of "the best parliamentarians and statesmen of India" and said the country "has got the most able man for the top job".<ref name="Zee News 4">{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/zee-exclusive/india-has-got-a-very-able-president-somnath_789094.html|title=India has got a very able president: Somnath|publisher=Zee News|date=22 July 2012|access-date=1 August 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725170012/http://zeenews.india.com/news/zee-exclusive/india-has-got-a-very-able-president-somnath_789094.html|archive-date=25 July 2012}}</ref> Opposition leader [[Sharad Yadav]] declared "the nation needed a president like Pranab Mukherjee".<ref name="Zee News 5">{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/india-needs-pranab-as-president-sharad-yadav_789014.html|title=India needs Pranab as president: Sharad Yadav|publisher=Zee News|date=22 July 2012|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133218/https://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/india-needs-pranab-as-president-sharad-yadav_789014.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Delhi Chief Minister [[Sheila Dikshit]] commented and said Mukherjee will be "one of the wisest presidents". She further marvelled at the fact that parties in the opposition ranks supported Mukherjee. "Even the [[National Democratic Alliance (India)|NDA]] broke up and wanted to vote for the president to be Pranab Mukherjee".<ref name="Zee News 6">{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/pranab-mukherjee-will-be-a-wise-president-dikshit_789008.html|title=Pranab Mukherjee will be a wise president: Dikshit|publisher=Zee News|date=22 July 2012|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133150/https://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/pranab-mukherjee-will-be-a-wise-president-dikshit_789008.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) was reportedly "shocked" and "upset" at the cross-voting for Mukherjee by its legislative members.<ref name="Zee News 7">{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/prez-poll-bjp-miffed-over-cross-voting_789108.html|title=Prez poll: BJP miffed over cross-voting|publisher=Zee News|date=22 July 2012|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133152/https://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/prez-poll-bjp-miffed-over-cross-voting_789108.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, BJP party president [[Nitin Gadkari]] congratulated Mukherjee and said "I extend my hearty congratulations to Pranab Mukherjee on his election today as the new President of India". Gadkari further declared "I am sure that the country will make further development and progress. I wish him all success and a bright future".<ref name="Zee News 8">{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/nitin-gadkari-congratulates-pranab-mukherjee_789087.html|title=Nitin Gadkari congratulates Pranab Mukherjee|publisher=Zee News|date=22 July 2012|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133148/https://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/nitin-gadkari-congratulates-pranab-mukherjee_789087.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | Congress President [[Sonia Gandhi]] and Prime Minister [[Manmohan Singh]] both congratulated Mukherjee on his election as president.<ref name="Zee News 3">{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/zee-exclusive/pm-sonia-congratulate-india-s-new-president-pranab-mukherjee_788999.html|title=PM, Sonia congratulate India's new President Pranab Mukherjee|publisher=Zee News|date=22 July 2012|access-date=1 August 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725170043/http://zeenews.india.com/news/zee-exclusive/pm-sonia-congratulate-india-s-new-president-pranab-mukherjee_788999.html|archive-date=25 July 2012}}</ref> Former Communist leader [[Somnath Chatterjee]] termed Mukherjee as one of "the best parliamentarians and statesmen of India" and said the country "has got the most able man for the top job".<ref name="Zee News 4">{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/zee-exclusive/india-has-got-a-very-able-president-somnath_789094.html|title=India has got a very able president: Somnath|publisher=Zee News|date=22 July 2012|access-date=1 August 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725170012/http://zeenews.india.com/news/zee-exclusive/india-has-got-a-very-able-president-somnath_789094.html|archive-date=25 July 2012}}</ref> Opposition leader [[Sharad Yadav]] declared "the nation needed a president like Pranab Mukherjee".<ref name="Zee News 5">{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/india-needs-pranab-as-president-sharad-yadav_789014.html|title=India needs Pranab as president: Sharad Yadav|publisher=Zee News|date=22 July 2012|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133218/https://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/india-needs-pranab-as-president-sharad-yadav_789014.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Delhi Chief Minister [[Sheila Dikshit]] commented and said Mukherjee will be "one of the wisest presidents". She further marvelled at the fact that parties in the opposition ranks supported Mukherjee. "Even the [[National Democratic Alliance (India)|NDA]] broke up and wanted to vote for the president to be Pranab Mukherjee".<ref name="Zee News 6">{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/pranab-mukherjee-will-be-a-wise-president-dikshit_789008.html|title=Pranab Mukherjee will be a wise president: Dikshit|publisher=Zee News|date=22 July 2012|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133150/https://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/pranab-mukherjee-will-be-a-wise-president-dikshit_789008.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) was reportedly "shocked" and "upset" at the cross-voting for Mukherjee by its legislative members.<ref name="Zee News 7">{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/prez-poll-bjp-miffed-over-cross-voting_789108.html|title=Prez poll: BJP miffed over cross-voting|publisher=Zee News|date=22 July 2012|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133152/https://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/prez-poll-bjp-miffed-over-cross-voting_789108.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, BJP party president [[Nitin Gadkari]] congratulated Mukherjee and said "I extend my hearty congratulations to Pranab Mukherjee on his election today as the new President of India". Gadkari further declared "I am sure that the country will make further development and progress. I wish him all success and a bright future".<ref name="Zee News 8">{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/nitin-gadkari-congratulates-pranab-mukherjee_789087.html|title=Nitin Gadkari congratulates Pranab Mukherjee|publisher=Zee News|date=22 July 2012|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133148/https://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/nitin-gadkari-congratulates-pranab-mukherjee_789087.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
[[Zee News]] noted: "What is striking about [Mukherjee] is that after more than four decades in public life, the Opposition had no ammunition against him after he was declared | [[Zee News]] noted: "What is striking about [Mukherjee] is that after more than four decades in public life, the Opposition had no ammunition against him after he was declared UPA's choice for President. In spite of [[Team Anna]] making some noise about him being involved in some corruption cases, it has been more or less an easy ride for Pranab to [[Raisina Hill]]. Once when Sonia Gandhi announced his name, most of the allies and the Opposition came on board. Whereas, NDA partner [[Janata Dal (United)|JD(U)]] saw no merit in opposing him, one of the bitter critics of the Congress [[Shiv Sena]] too toed the line a little too easily. This support was not for Congress but for [Mukherjee]".<ref name="zee news"/> | ||
[[Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2013]] was promulgated by Pranab Mukherjee on 3{{nbsp}}February 2013, providing for the amendment of the [[Indian Penal Code]], [[Indian Evidence Act]], and the [[Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 (India)|Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973]] on laws related to [[Sex and the law|sexual offences]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Prez Pranab Mukherjee promulgates ordinance on crime against women|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/president-pranab-mukherjee-promulgates-ordinance-on-crime-against-women/1068720/|access-date=4 February 2013|newspaper=Indian Express|date=3 February 2013|archive-date=3 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130303013240/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/president-pranab-mukherjee-promulgates-ordinance-on-crime-against-women/1068720|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=President signs ordinance to effect changes in laws against sexual crimes|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/president-signs-ordinance-to-effect-changes-in-laws-against-sexual-crimes/1/248740.html|access-date=4 February 2013|newspaper=India Today|date=3 February 2013|archive-date=4 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130204021255/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/president-signs-ordinance-to-effect-changes-in-laws-against-sexual-crimes/1/248740.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As of July 2015, President Mukherjee had rejected 24 mercy pleas including those of [[Yakub Memon]], [[Ajmal Kasab]], and [[Afzal Guru]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/yakub-memon-death-penalty-pranab-mukherjee-24-mercy-pleas-rejected/1/451616.html|title=Yakub Memon and 23 other mercy pleas rejected by President Pranab Mukherjee|access-date=21 July 2015|archive-date=28 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151028204632/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/yakub-memon-death-penalty-pranab-mukherjee-24-mercy-pleas-rejected/1/451616.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/president-pranab-rejects-12-mercy-pleas-a-first-in-india-624385.html|title=President Pranab rejects 12 mercy pleas, a first in India|access-date=21 July 2015|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612193056/https://www.firstpost.com/india/president-pranab-rejects-12-mercy-pleas-a-first-in-india-624385.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Pranab Mukherjee becomes [[President of India|first President of India]] to reply all the mercy petitions in his term for the [[death row inmates]] and also replying the petitions of former | [[Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2013]] was promulgated by Pranab Mukherjee on 3{{nbsp}}February 2013, providing for the amendment of the [[Indian Penal Code]], [[Indian Evidence Act]], and the [[Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 (India)|Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973]] on laws related to [[Sex and the law|sexual offences]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Prez Pranab Mukherjee promulgates ordinance on crime against women|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/president-pranab-mukherjee-promulgates-ordinance-on-crime-against-women/1068720/|access-date=4 February 2013|newspaper=Indian Express|date=3 February 2013|archive-date=3 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130303013240/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/president-pranab-mukherjee-promulgates-ordinance-on-crime-against-women/1068720|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=President signs ordinance to effect changes in laws against sexual crimes|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/president-signs-ordinance-to-effect-changes-in-laws-against-sexual-crimes/1/248740.html|access-date=4 February 2013|newspaper=India Today|date=3 February 2013|archive-date=4 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130204021255/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/president-signs-ordinance-to-effect-changes-in-laws-against-sexual-crimes/1/248740.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As of July 2015, President Mukherjee had rejected 24 mercy pleas including those of [[Yakub Memon]], [[Ajmal Kasab]], and [[Afzal Guru]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/yakub-memon-death-penalty-pranab-mukherjee-24-mercy-pleas-rejected/1/451616.html|title=Yakub Memon and 23 other mercy pleas rejected by President Pranab Mukherjee|access-date=21 July 2015|archive-date=28 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151028204632/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/yakub-memon-death-penalty-pranab-mukherjee-24-mercy-pleas-rejected/1/451616.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/president-pranab-rejects-12-mercy-pleas-a-first-in-india-624385.html|title=President Pranab rejects 12 mercy pleas, a first in India|access-date=21 July 2015|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612193056/https://www.firstpost.com/india/president-pranab-rejects-12-mercy-pleas-a-first-in-india-624385.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Pranab Mukherjee becomes [[President of India|first President of India]] to reply all the mercy petitions in his term for the [[death row inmates]] and also replying the petitions of former presidents.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=DelhiJuly 18|first1=Dev Goswami New|last2=July 25|first2=2017UPDATED|last3=Ist|first3=2017 11:38|date=25 July 2017|title=No Mercy: Pranab Mukherjee rejected 30 mercy petitions as President|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/president-pranab-mukherjee-mercy-petitions-1025001-2017-07-18|url-status=live|archive-url=https://www.indiatoday.com/politics/national/7-mercy-petitions-rejected-in-7-months-is-pranab-mukherjee-the-8393.html?page=4|archive-date=28 September 2017|access-date=19 November 2020|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> | ||
In January 2017, Mukherjee announced that he would not contest the 2017 Presidential elections, citing "advanced age and failing health".<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 August 2020|title=Former President Pranab Mukherjee undergoes successful brain surgery, on ventilator support|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/former-president-pranab-mukherjee-undergoes-successful-brain-surgery-for-removal-of-clot-pti-qouting-sources/story-WqzrhZlicSqGfqCE2uZWKI.html|access-date=1 September 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=11 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811005059/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/former-president-pranab-mukherjee-undergoes-successful-brain-surgery-for-removal-of-clot-pti-qouting-sources/story-WqzrhZlicSqGfqCE2uZWKI.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | In January 2017, Mukherjee announced that he would not contest the 2017 Presidential elections, citing "advanced age and failing health".<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 August 2020|title=Former President Pranab Mukherjee undergoes successful brain surgery, on ventilator support|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/former-president-pranab-mukherjee-undergoes-successful-brain-surgery-for-removal-of-clot-pti-qouting-sources/story-WqzrhZlicSqGfqCE2uZWKI.html|access-date=1 September 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=11 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811005059/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/former-president-pranab-mukherjee-undergoes-successful-brain-surgery-for-removal-of-clot-pti-qouting-sources/story-WqzrhZlicSqGfqCE2uZWKI.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
==Personal life== | ==Personal life== | ||
Pranab Mukherjee married [[Suvra Mukherjee]] on 13 July 1957. Suvra Mukherjee was born at [[Narail]], [[Bengal Presidency]], | Pranab Mukherjee married [[Suvra Mukherjee]] on 13 July 1957. Suvra Mukherjee was born at [[Narail]], [[Bengal Presidency]], Present Bangladesh. She moved to [[Kolkata]] while she was 10 and married Pranab in 1957.<ref>{{cite web|date=9 February 2013|title=Pranab to visit in-laws' home in Narail|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=268437|access-date=29 June 2017|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133142/https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-268437|url-status=live}}</ref> The couple had two sons and a daughter.<ref name="GOVT2"/> Suvra died on 18 August 2015, aged 74, of heart failure, while Mukherjee was still in office.<ref>{{cite web|title=Suvra Mukherjee, President Pranab Mukherjee's wife, passes away – Times of India|website=[[The Times of India]]|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Suvra-Mukherjee-President-Pranab-Mukherjees-wife-passes-away/articleshow/48524004.cms|access-date=29 June 2017|archive-date=9 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809005557/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Suvra-Mukherjee-President-Pranab-Mukherjees-wife-passes-away/articleshow/48524004.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Their elder son, [[Abhijit Mukherjee]], was a Congress [[Member of Indian Parliament|MP]] from [[Jangipur, Murshidabad|Jangipur]], [[West Bengal]], until 2019. He was elected in a by-election after his father vacated the seat. Before his election to the [[Lok Sabha]], Abhijit was an MLA from Nalhati in Birbhum.<ref>{{cite news|date=24 July 2012|title=Pranab Mujherjee's son wants his LS seat, party to take call|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pranab-mujherjees-son-wants-his-ls-seat-party-to-take-call/978529/|access-date=24 July 2012|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133142/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/pranab-mujherjees-son-wants-his-ls-seat-party-to-take-call/978529|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
Mukherjee was inspired by [[Deng Xiaoping]] and quoted him quite frequently.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=11 December|first1=India Today Web Desk|last2=December 11|first2=2016UPDATED|last3=Ist|first3=2016 13:40|title='A man of all seasons' Pranab Mukherjee turns 81: Lesser known facts about the President|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/president-pranab-mukherjee-turns-81-facts-unknown-356894-2016-12-11|access-date=1 September 2020|website=India Today|language=en|archive-date=1 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040932/https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/president-pranab-mukherjee-turns-81-facts-unknown-356894-2016-12-11|url-status=live}}</ref> His hobbies were reading, gardening, and music.<ref name="GOVT2" /> | Mukherjee was inspired by [[Deng Xiaoping]] and quoted him quite frequently.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=11 December|first1=India Today Web Desk|last2=December 11|first2=2016UPDATED|last3=Ist|first3=2016 13:40|title='A man of all seasons' Pranab Mukherjee turns 81: Lesser known facts about the President|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/president-pranab-mukherjee-turns-81-facts-unknown-356894-2016-12-11|access-date=1 September 2020|website=India Today|language=en|archive-date=1 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040932/https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/president-pranab-mukherjee-turns-81-facts-unknown-356894-2016-12-11|url-status=live}}</ref> His hobbies were reading, gardening, and music.<ref name="GOVT2" /> | ||
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Mukherjee died on 31 August 2020, aged 84, which was confirmed by his son Abhijit Mukherjee via Twitter.<ref>{{cite news|date=31 August 2020|title=BREAKING: Former President Pranab Mukherjee passes away|language=en|work=DNA India|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-breaking-former-president-pranab-mukherjee-passes-away-2840417|access-date=31 August 2020|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133212/https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-former-president-pranab-mukherjee-passes-away-at-84-2840417|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=31 August 2020|title=Pranab Mukherjee, ex-president and Congress veteran, dies in Delhi hospital|language=en|work=Hindustan Times|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pranab-mukherjee-ex-president-and-congress-veteran-dies-in-delhi-hospital/story-sKOIeIEmCyY9OcGziScT9I.html|access-date=31 August 2020|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133228/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pranab-mukherjee-ex-president-and-congress-veteran-dies-in-delhi-hospital/story-sKOIeIEmCyY9OcGziScT9I.html|url-status=live}}</ref> His death came after the attending hospital confirmed that his health had deteriorated early that day, stating that he had been in [[septic shock]] since a day earlier, which was caused by his lung infection.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pranab Mukherjee, former President, passes away at 84 |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pranab-mukherjee-former-president-passes-away-at-84-11598876699664.html |access-date=31 August 2020 |work=Livemint |date=31 August 2020 |language=en |archive-date=31 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133214/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pranab-mukherjee-former-president-passes-away-at-84-11598876699664.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Pranab Mukherjee's medical condition declines, still in deep coma: Hospital |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pranab-mukherjee-s-medical-condition-declines-still-in-deep-coma-hospital/story-opUQVkr32lI2ZMXo2ToMbL.html |access-date=31 August 2020 |work=Hindustan Times |date=31 August 2020 |language=en |archive-date=31 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831111653/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pranab-mukherjee-s-medical-condition-declines-still-in-deep-coma-hospital/story-opUQVkr32lI2ZMXo2ToMbL.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | Mukherjee died on 31 August 2020, aged 84, which was confirmed by his son Abhijit Mukherjee via Twitter.<ref>{{cite news|date=31 August 2020|title=BREAKING: Former President Pranab Mukherjee passes away|language=en|work=DNA India|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-breaking-former-president-pranab-mukherjee-passes-away-2840417|access-date=31 August 2020|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133212/https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-former-president-pranab-mukherjee-passes-away-at-84-2840417|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=31 August 2020|title=Pranab Mukherjee, ex-president and Congress veteran, dies in Delhi hospital|language=en|work=Hindustan Times|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pranab-mukherjee-ex-president-and-congress-veteran-dies-in-delhi-hospital/story-sKOIeIEmCyY9OcGziScT9I.html|access-date=31 August 2020|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133228/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pranab-mukherjee-ex-president-and-congress-veteran-dies-in-delhi-hospital/story-sKOIeIEmCyY9OcGziScT9I.html|url-status=live}}</ref> His death came after the attending hospital confirmed that his health had deteriorated early that day, stating that he had been in [[septic shock]] since a day earlier, which was caused by his lung infection.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pranab Mukherjee, former President, passes away at 84 |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pranab-mukherjee-former-president-passes-away-at-84-11598876699664.html |access-date=31 August 2020 |work=Livemint |date=31 August 2020 |language=en |archive-date=31 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133214/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pranab-mukherjee-former-president-passes-away-at-84-11598876699664.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Pranab Mukherjee's medical condition declines, still in deep coma: Hospital |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pranab-mukherjee-s-medical-condition-declines-still-in-deep-coma-hospital/story-opUQVkr32lI2ZMXo2ToMbL.html |access-date=31 August 2020 |work=Hindustan Times |date=31 August 2020 |language=en |archive-date=31 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831111653/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pranab-mukherjee-s-medical-condition-declines-still-in-deep-coma-hospital/story-opUQVkr32lI2ZMXo2ToMbL.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
Condolences poured in immediately from | Condolences poured in immediately from citizens and political parties of both India and other nations. India's Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]], the President [[Ramnath Kovind]], Vice President [[Venkaiah Naidu]], Home Minister [[Amit Shah]], and Congress leader [[Rahul Gandhi]] conveyed their condolences via Twitter.<ref name="wion">{{cite news |title=Tributes pour in after the demise of former President Pranab Mukherjee |url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tributes-pour-in-after-the-demise-of-former-president-pranab-mukherjee-324294 |access-date=31 August 2020 |work=WION |date=31 August 2020 |language=en |archive-date=1 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040932/https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tributes-pour-in-after-the-demise-of-former-president-pranab-mukherjee-324294 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Former President Pranab Mukherjee dies at 84, Modi says India grieves for him |url=https://scroll.in/latest/970071/former-president-pranab-mukherjee-dies-at-84 |access-date=31 August 2020 |work=Scroll.in |date=31 August 2020 |archive-date=31 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133155/https://scroll.in/latest/970071/former-president-pranab-mukherjee-dies-at-84 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=Shashwat Bhandari |title=Pranab Mukherjee passes away: PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi, others remember former President of India |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/pranab-mukherjee-death-live-updates-twitter-political-reactions-modi-amit-shah-sonia-gandhi-rahul-congress-646205 |access-date=31 August 2020 |work=www.indiatvnews.com |date=31 August 2020 |language=en |archive-date=31 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133155/https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/pranab-mukherjee-death-live-updates-twitter-political-reactions-modi-amit-shah-sonia-gandhi-rahul-congress-646205 |url-status=live }}</ref> The President of Russia, [[Vladimir Putin]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Putin sends condolences over death of former Indian president Pranab Mukherjee |url=https://tass.com/politics/1195733 |access-date=31 August 2020 |work=TASS |date=31 August 2020 |archive-date=1 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901022758/https://tass.com/politics/1195733 |url-status=live }}</ref> the President of Afghanistan, [[Ashraf Ghani]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Former Indian President Mukherjee Dies at 84 |url=https://www.khaama.com/former-indian-president-mukherjee-dies-at-84-64345/ |access-date=1 September 2020 |work=The Khaama Press News Agency |date=1 September 2020}}</ref> the President of the Maldives, [[Ibrahim Mohamed Solih]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Maldivian President: Ex-Indian President Mukherjee's death 'tremendous loss to entire South Asian region' |url=https://en.sun.mv/62703 |access-date=31 August 2020 |work=SunOnline International |date=31 August 2020 |language=en |archive-date=1 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040942/https://en.sun.mv/62703 |url-status=live }}</ref> the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, [[Sheikh Hasina]],<ref>{{cite news |author1=Shivani Kumar |title='True friend': Sheikh Hasina condoles Pranab Mukherjee's death in letter to PM Modi |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/true-friend-sheikh-hasina-condoles-pranab-mukherjee-s-death-in-letter-to-pm-modi/story-kJd4T2MnQWJjyvovBfYNUN.html |access-date=31 August 2020 |work=Hindustan Times |date=31 August 2020|language=en |archive-date=1 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040902/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/true-friend-sheikh-hasina-condoles-pranab-mukherjee-s-death-in-letter-to-pm-modi/story-kJd4T2MnQWJjyvovBfYNUN.html |url-status=live }}</ref> the Prime Minister of Bhutan, [[Lotay Tshering]], the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, [[Mahinda Rajapaksa]], and the Prime Minister of Nepal, [[K. P. Sharma Oli]], were among foreign leaders who paid their respects.<ref name="wion"/><ref>{{cite news |title=PM Oli expresses sorrow on demise of India's former President Pranab Mukherjee |url=https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/pm-oli-expresses-sorrow-on-demise-of-india-s-former-president-pranab-mukherjee/ |access-date=31 August 2020 |work=My Republica |date=31 August 2020 |language=en |archive-date=31 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133216/https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/pm-oli-expresses-sorrow-on-demise-of-india-s-former-president-pranab-mukherjee/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Pranab Mukherjee no more [LIVE UPDATES]: PM Narendra Modi hails Mukherjee as a 'towering statesman' |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/blog/pranab-mukherjee-death-news-former-president-dies-tributes-pour-in-live-updates/347 |access-date=31 August 2020 |work=Times Now |date=31 August 2020 |language=en |archive-date=1 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040924/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/blog/pranab-mukherjee-death-news-former-president-dies-tributes-pour-in-live-updates/347 |url-status=live }}</ref> Sports players and actors from the country also voiced their sorrow.<ref>{{cite news |title=Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma lead condolences as India's former President Pranab Mukherjee passes away |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/others/article/virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-lead-condolences-as-indias-former-president-pranab-mukherjee-passes-away/645587 |access-date=31 August 2020 |work=Times Now |date=31 August 2020 |language=en |archive-date=1 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040917/https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/others/article/virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-lead-condolences-as-indias-former-president-pranab-mukherjee-passes-away/645587 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=Tripti Karki |title=Pranab Mukherjee dies at 84: Celebs remember the leader, condolences pour on social media |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/news/pranab-mukherjee-dies-at-84-celeb-remember-the-leader-condolences-pour-on-social-media-646203 |access-date=31 August 2020 |work=India TV |date=31 August 2020 |language=en |archive-date=31 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831202533/https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/news/pranab-mukherjee-dies-at-84-celeb-remember-the-leader-condolences-pour-on-social-media-646203 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
The [[Government of India]] announced a seven-day period of [[National day of mourning|state mourning]] between 31 August to 6 September, whereby the national flag would fly at [[half mast]] on all buildings wherever it is flown regularly.<ref>{{cite news |title=7-day state mourning announced for former president Pranab Mukherjee |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/7-day-state-mourning-to-be-observed-for-former-president-pranab-mukherjee/story-LWsyHEfrLmO2VvZ01Kg4lK.html |access-date=31 August 2020 |work=Hindustan Times |date=31 August 2020 |language=en |archive-date=1 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040913/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/7-day-state-mourning-to-be-observed-for-former-president-pranab-mukherjee/story-LWsyHEfrLmO2VvZ01Kg4lK.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[West Bengal state government]] declared a closure of state-run offices for the following day as a mark of respect.<ref>{{cite news |title=West Bengal government offices will remain closed on Tuesday to show respect to Pranab Mukherjee |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/west-bengal-government-offices-will-remain-closed-on-tuesday-to-show-respect-to-mukherjee/articleshow/77857183.cms |access-date=31 August 2020 |work=The Times of India |agency=Press Trust of India |date=31 August 2020 |language=en |archive-date=1 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040916/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/west-bengal-government-offices-will-remain-closed-on-tuesday-to-show-respect-to-mukherjee/articleshow/77857183.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> | The [[Government of India]] announced a seven-day period of [[National day of mourning|state mourning]] between 31 August to 6 September, whereby the national flag would fly at [[half mast]] on all buildings wherever it is flown regularly.<ref>{{cite news |title=7-day state mourning announced for former president Pranab Mukherjee |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/7-day-state-mourning-to-be-observed-for-former-president-pranab-mukherjee/story-LWsyHEfrLmO2VvZ01Kg4lK.html |access-date=31 August 2020 |work=Hindustan Times |date=31 August 2020 |language=en |archive-date=1 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040913/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/7-day-state-mourning-to-be-observed-for-former-president-pranab-mukherjee/story-LWsyHEfrLmO2VvZ01Kg4lK.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[West Bengal state government]] declared a closure of state-run offices for the following day as a mark of respect.<ref>{{cite news |title=West Bengal government offices will remain closed on Tuesday to show respect to Pranab Mukherjee |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/west-bengal-government-offices-will-remain-closed-on-tuesday-to-show-respect-to-mukherjee/articleshow/77857183.cms |access-date=31 August 2020 |work=The Times of India |agency=Press Trust of India |date=31 August 2020 |language=en |archive-date=1 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901040916/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/west-bengal-government-offices-will-remain-closed-on-tuesday-to-show-respect-to-mukherjee/articleshow/77857183.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
The funeral was held the following day, on 1 September at the [[Lodhi Road]] crematorium, with full [[State funeral|state honours]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Former president Pranab Mukherjee cremated with full state honours |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/former-president-pranab-mukherjee-cremated-with-full-state-honours/story-IpYWtKvqgFRMtkSP1ILIRP.html |access-date=1 September 2020 |work=Hindustan Times |date=1 September 2020 |language=en}}</ref> The body was brought to the crematorium in a van instead of [[gun carriage]] due to [[COVID-19 pandemic in India|COVID-19 pandemic]] restrictions in the country. His ashes were immersed into the [[Ganges river]] in [[Haridwar]].<ref>https://www.mid-day.com/ | The funeral was held the following day, on 1 September at the [[Lodhi Road]] crematorium, with full [[State funeral|state honours]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Former president Pranab Mukherjee cremated with full state honours |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/former-president-pranab-mukherjee-cremated-with-full-state-honours/story-IpYWtKvqgFRMtkSP1ILIRP.html |access-date=1 September 2020 |work=Hindustan Times |date=1 September 2020 |language=en}}</ref> The body was brought to the crematorium in a van instead of [[gun carriage]] due to [[COVID-19 pandemic in India|COVID-19 pandemic]] restrictions in the country. His ashes were immersed into the [[Ganges river]] in [[Haridwar]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 September 2020 |title=Mortal remains of Pranab Mukherjee immersed in Ganga |url=https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/mortal-remains-of-former-president-pranab-mukherjee-immersed-in-ganga-at-haridwar-22965255 |access-date=18 June 2021 |website=Mid-Day}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Due to COVID-19, Pranab Mukherjee's mortal remains were carried in van instead of gun carriage |url=http://www.businessworld.in/article/Due-to-COVID-19-Pranab-Mukherjee-s-mortal-remains-were-carried-in-van-instead-of-gun-carriage/01-09-2020-315339/ |access-date=1 September 2020 |work=BW Businessworld |date=1 September 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Former President Pranab Mukherjee's Dies at 84, Funeral Tomorrow Amid Covid-19 Protocols |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/pranab-mukherjee-death-live-updates-former-president-passes-away-had-also-tested-positive-for-covid-19-2835959.html |access-date=31 August 2020 |work=News18 |date=31 August 2020 |archive-date=1 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901041009/https://www.news18.com/news/india/pranab-mukherjee-death-live-updates-former-president-passes-away-had-also-tested-positive-for-covid-19-2835959.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
== In popular culture == | |||
Mukherjee appeared in the Indian [[mock court]] television talk show ''[[Aap Ki Adalat]]'' ({{Lit|Your Court}}) on [[India TV]] when he was the Minister of Defence, discussing the [[United Progressive Alliance|UPA]] government's performance of in the past one year since the [[2004 Indian general election|2004 elections]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=31 August 2020|title=Pranab Mukherjee in Aap Ki Adalat|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKqJ7FdlPs0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/wKqJ7FdlPs0 |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live|website=[[India TV]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> | |||
==Honours== | ==Honours== | ||
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* DCL (Doctor of Civil Law) (honoris causa) by the [[University of Mauritius]] on 13 March 2013.<ref name="UOM">{{cite web|url=http://www.lemauricien.com/article/uom-%E2%80%94-honneur-president-l%E2%80%99inde-fait-doctor-civil-law-honoris-causa|title=UOM – HONNEUR: Le Président de l'Inde fait Doctor of Civil Law Honoris Causa|publisher=Le Matinal|date=13 March 2013|access-date=10 April 2013|language=fr|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318031403/http://www.lemauricien.com/article/uom-%E2%80%94-honneur-president-l%E2%80%99inde-fait-doctor-civil-law-honoris-causa|archive-date=18 March 2013}}</ref> | * DCL (Doctor of Civil Law) (honoris causa) by the [[University of Mauritius]] on 13 March 2013.<ref name="UOM">{{cite web|url=http://www.lemauricien.com/article/uom-%E2%80%94-honneur-president-l%E2%80%99inde-fait-doctor-civil-law-honoris-causa|title=UOM – HONNEUR: Le Président de l'Inde fait Doctor of Civil Law Honoris Causa|publisher=Le Matinal|date=13 March 2013|access-date=10 April 2013|language=fr|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318031403/http://www.lemauricien.com/article/uom-%E2%80%94-honneur-president-l%E2%80%99inde-fait-doctor-civil-law-honoris-causa|archive-date=18 March 2013}}</ref> | ||
* Hon. Doctorate by [[Istanbul University]] on 5 October 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sarkaritel.com/the-president-pranab-mukherjee-being-conferred-the-honorary-doctorate-by-the-dean-of-the-faculty-of-political-science-of-istanbul-university/|title=The President, Pranab Mukherjee being conferred the Honorary Doctorate by the Dean of the Faculty of Political Science of Istanbul|website=www.sarkaritel.com|access-date=22 August 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016024928/http://www.sarkaritel.com/the-president-pranab-mukherjee-being-conferred-the-honorary-doctorate-by-the-dean-of-the-faculty-of-political-science-of-istanbul-university/|archive-date=16 October 2013}}</ref> | * Hon. Doctorate by [[Istanbul University]] on 5 October 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sarkaritel.com/the-president-pranab-mukherjee-being-conferred-the-honorary-doctorate-by-the-dean-of-the-faculty-of-political-science-of-istanbul-university/|title=The President, Pranab Mukherjee being conferred the Honorary Doctorate by the Dean of the Faculty of Political Science of Istanbul|website=www.sarkaritel.com|access-date=22 August 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016024928/http://www.sarkaritel.com/the-president-pranab-mukherjee-being-conferred-the-honorary-doctorate-by-the-dean-of-the-faculty-of-political-science-of-istanbul-university/|archive-date=16 October 2013}}</ref> | ||
* [[List of University of Calcutta honorary degree recipients|Honorary Doctorate]] from the [[University of Calcutta]] in on 28 November 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-take-forward-government-s-model-village-scheme-president-pranab-mukherjee-tells-universities-2039217|title=Take forward government's model village scheme, President Pranab Mukherjee tells universities – Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis|date=28 November 2014|access-date=29 June 2017|archive-date= | * [[List of University of Calcutta honorary degree recipients|Honorary Doctorate]] from the [[University of Calcutta]] in on 28 November 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-take-forward-government-s-model-village-scheme-president-pranab-mukherjee-tells-universities-2039217|title=Take forward government's model village scheme, President Pranab Mukherjee tells universities – Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis|date=28 November 2014|access-date=29 June 2017|archive-date=26 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426061057/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-take-forward-government-s-model-village-scheme-president-pranab-mukherjee-tells-universities-2039217|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
* Hon. Doctorate in Political Science by the [[University of Jordan]] on 11 October 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/president-pranab-mukherjee-conferred-honorary-doctorate-by-jordanian-university/articleshow/49314132.cms|title=President Pranab Mukherjee conferred honorary doctorate by Jordanian university|last=PTI|date=11 October 2015|access-date=29 June 2017|newspaper=The Economic Times|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133207/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/president-pranab-mukherjee-conferred-honorary-doctorate-by-jordanian-university/articleshow/49314132.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> | * Hon. Doctorate in Political Science by the [[University of Jordan]] on 11 October 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/president-pranab-mukherjee-conferred-honorary-doctorate-by-jordanian-university/articleshow/49314132.cms|title=President Pranab Mukherjee conferred honorary doctorate by Jordanian university|last=PTI|date=11 October 2015|access-date=29 June 2017|newspaper=The Economic Times|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133207/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/president-pranab-mukherjee-conferred-honorary-doctorate-by-jordanian-university/articleshow/49314132.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
* Hon. Doctorate by [[Al-Quds University]] of [[Ramallah]], [[State of Palestine|Palestine]] on 13 October 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=128673|title=Al-Quds University confers Hon. Doctorate on President.India's Solidarity with Palestinian people and it's principled support to Palestinian cause is rooted in our own freedom struggle, says President|website=pib.nic.in|access-date=29 June 2017|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133211/https://pib.gov.in/ErrorPage.html?aspxerrorpath=%2Fnewsite%2FPrintRelease.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> | * Hon. Doctorate by [[Al-Quds University]] of [[Ramallah]], [[State of Palestine|Palestine]] on 13 October 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=128673|title=Al-Quds University confers Hon. Doctorate on President.India's Solidarity with Palestinian people and it's principled support to Palestinian cause is rooted in our own freedom struggle, says President|website=pib.nic.in|access-date=29 June 2017|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831133211/https://pib.gov.in/ErrorPage.html?aspxerrorpath=%2Fnewsite%2FPrintRelease.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
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* {{Cite book|title=The Coalition Years: 1996–2012|publisher=Rupa Publications India|year=2017|isbn=978-8129149053}} | * {{Cite book|title=The Coalition Years: 1996–2012|publisher=Rupa Publications India|year=2017|isbn=978-8129149053}} | ||
* {{Cite book|title=The Presidential Years: 2012–2017|publisher=Rupa Publications India|year=2021|isbn=978-9390356355}} | * {{Cite book|title=The Presidential Years: 2012–2017|publisher=Rupa Publications India|year=2021|isbn=978-9390356355}} | ||
==See also== | |||
* [[President of India]] | |||
* [[List of presidents of India]] | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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* [http://pranabmukherjee.nic.in Pranab Mukherjee] Official website | * [http://pranabmukherjee.nic.in Pranab Mukherjee] Official website | ||
* [https://twitter.com/CitiznMukherjee Pranab Mukherjee] at [[Twitter]] | * [https://twitter.com/CitiznMukherjee Pranab Mukherjee] at [[Twitter]] | ||
* {{ | *{{IMDb name|id=8430751}} | ||
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