“Pranab Mukherjee: A Literary Statesman and Stalwart Leader – 10 Unique Facts”

Introduction:

Let’s talk about our great Indian politician, Pranab Mukherjee, who has been actively involved in Indian politics for a long time and eventually became the 13th President of India.

Mukherjee, known for his clean image, was born on December 11, 1935, in the Mirati village of the Birbhum district in Bengal, into a Bengali Brahmin family. His father, Kamada Kinkar Mr Mukherjee, was a freedom fighter and served as a legislator in Bengal from 1952 to 1964. His mother was also a freedom fighter. Growing up in a politically active family, Mr Mukherjee was inspired towards politics from an early age.

Academic Background:

Pranab Mukherjee attended local schools, and later, he pursued political science and history at Suri Vidyasagar College in Birbhum. Subsequently, he completed his law degree from Calcutta University.

Personal life:

Mukherjee has brothers and sisters. He got married to Sabra Mukherjee in July 1957, and they have two sons and a daughter.

Early career:

Pranab Mukherjee began his career as a clerk at the Post and Telegraph Office. In 1963, he joined Vidyasagar College as a professor of political science and simultaneously started working as a journalist for Desher Dak.

Political Career:

Pranab Mukherjee was initially drawn to politics, becoming a member of the Rajya Sabha from the Congress party in 1969. He served continuously for four terms in the Rajya Sabha and gained prominence as a trusted associate of Indira Gandhi.

In 1973, he became the Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Industrial Development. Despite facing allegations during this period, he was later cleared of any wrongdoing.

In 1982, he took on the role of the Union Finance Minister and held the position for two years. Following the passing of Indira Gandhi, Mukherjee had differences with Rajiv Gandhi, leading him to form a separate “National Socialist Congress” party. However, they reconciled in 1989, and he rejoined the Congress party. After the demise of Rajiv Gandhi, when P.V. Narasimha Rao became the Prime Minister, Mukherjee became the head of the Planning Commission and later the Minister of External Affairs.

In 1999, he became the Chief of the Election Commission of India, holding the position until 2012. Additionally, he contested and won the Lok Sabha elections in 2004. Notably, from 1985 to 2010, he served as the President of the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee.

Journey To Presidency:

In 2012, Pranab Mukherjee assumed the position of President of India. His path to this esteemed role was not easy; it required hard work and patience. He became the first Bengali to hold the office of the President of India after dedicating 40 years of his life to politics and authoring numerous books.

Work Done as A President Of India:

Revisions to the regulations within Rashtrapati Bhavan were implemented on the first anniversary of Pranab Mukherjee’s term in 2013. Notably, the honorific ‘His Excellency’ for the president and governors was discontinued.

During his tenure, Pranab Mukherjee focused on accessibility, opening Rashtrapati Bhavan to the public and establishing it as a premier tourist destination. Various initiatives, including the In-Residence.

Under the ‘4S’ initiatives, he prioritized the welfare of estate residents, launching ‘Sanskriti’ for children and ‘Samagam’ for senior citizens. Additionally, ‘Sanskar’ addressed the nutritional needs of children at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Play School.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan Twitter account, initiated in 2014, garnered approximately 33 lakh followers by the end of Pranab Mukherjee’s term. Uniquely, he also assumed the role of a teacher, imparting knowledge to school students within the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

A state-of-the-art museum was established, converting the Carriage Halls and Stables into a showcase of historical events. Efforts toward modernization included the ‘E-Pustakalaya’ project, cataloging books under the e-office platform.

Green initiatives were pursued in the President’s Estate, aligning with urban development guidelines. Notably, the Narmada Residential Complex incorporated eco-friendly features, contributing to environmental sustainability.

Pranab Mukherjee’s commitment extended to the restoration of the Rashtrapati Ashiana in Dehradun, transforming it into a heritage site. Furthermore, rooftop solar panels were installed to enhance energy efficiency, reflecting a proactive approach to environmental concerns.

Awards and Honors:

In 1984, he was recognized as the world’s best Finance Minister.

In 1997, he was honored as the best Parliamentarian.

In 2008, he received the ‘Padma Shri,’ the country’s second-highest civilian award.

In 2010, he was awarded the ‘Finance Minister of the Year for Asia.’

In 2011, he was conferred with an honorary doctorate by Wolverhampton University.

In 2013, Dhaka University awarded him an honorary doctorate in law, and he received the ‘Bangladesh Liberation War Honor’ from the Bangladesh government.

In 2019, the Indian government bestowed upon him the prestigious Bharat Ratna.

Books Written by Pranab Mukherjee:

“Gandhi Years”

“Economy”

“Midterm Poll”

“Off the Track”

“Challenge Before the Nation”

“Emerging Dimensions of Indian Saga of Struggle and Sacrifice”

“The Dramatic Decade: The Days of Indira”

Interesting Facts About Pranab Mukharjee:

Literary Legacy:

Pranab Mukherjee was not just a political figure but also a prolific author, sharing his insights in books on Indian politics and the economy.

Decades in Politics:

With a political career spanning over four decades, Mukherjee held key positions, including Finance Minister and ultimately becoming the President of India in 2012.

Economic Reformer:

Serving as Finance Minister in the 1980s, Mukherjee played a vital role in initiating economic reforms, shaping India’s financial landscape.

Educational Excellence:

Mukherjee’s academic journey included notable institutions like Vidyasagar College and the University of Calcutta, reflecting his educational prowess.

Linguistic Talent:

Proficient in Bengali, Hindi, and English, Mukherjee showcased linguistic versatility throughout his career.

Diverse Honors:

Mukherjee received accolades such as Best Finance Minister (1984), Best Parliamentarian (1997), and the prestigious Bharat Ratna in 2019.

Global Recognition:

Internationally respected, Mukherjee made significant contributions to India’s economic policies and diplomacy during his tenure as the Minister of External Affairs.

Institutional Leadership:

Leading key institutions like the Planning Commission and Election Commission, Mukherjee exhibited diverse leadership skills.

Historical Witness:

His association with the Indian National Congress allowed him to witness and contribute to pivotal events in India’s history.

Bangladesh Liberation Honor: Recognized for his support during Bangladesh’s liberation war, Mukherjee received the ‘Bangladesh Liberation War Honor’ in 2013.