Govt. announces 7 days of state mourning in memory of former President Pranab Mukherjee
Pranab Mukherjee passed away at 84 years of age after a prolonged illness. His last rites will be done on Tuesday.
His son Abhijit announced his death tweeting, “With a Heavy Heart, this is to inform you that my father Shri Pranab Mukherjee has just passed away inspite of the best efforts of Doctors of RR Hospital & prayers, duas and prarthanas from people throughout India,” he wrote. “I thank all of you.”
The central government announced that on the account of his death, seven days of state mourning will be observed throughout India from August 31 to September, inclusive of both the days. It will be observed to mark the respect to the departed dignitary.
During this mourning, the national flag will fly at half-mast on all the buildings throughout India, wherever it is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment.
The statement from the Government read, “With profound sorrow, the death of Shri Pranab Mukherjee, former President of India at Army Research & Referral Hospital, New Delhi on 31st August 2020,”
"As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, seven days State Mourning will be observed throughout India from 31.08.2020 to 06.09.2020, both days inclusive. During the period of State Mourning, the National Flag will fly at half-mast on all buildings throughout India, where it is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment. The date, time, and venue of the State Funeral will be intimated later," it added.
PM Modi tweeted, “India grieves the passing away of Bharat Ratna Shri Pranab Mukherjee. He has left an indelible mark on the development trajectory of our nation. A scholar par excellence, a towering statesman, he was admired across the political spectrum and by all sections of society.”
President of India, Ram Nath Kovind also tweeted, “Sad to hear that former President Shri Pranab Mukherjee is no more. His demise is passing of an era. A colossus in public life, he served Mother India with the spirit of a sage. The nation mourns losing one of its worthiest sons. Condolences to his family, friends & all citizens.”
Union Home Minister, Amit Shah also remembered former President and tweeted, “Deeply anguished on the passing away of former President of India, Bharat Ratna Shri Pranab Mukherjee ji. He was a vastly experienced leader who served the nation with utmost devotion. Pranab da’s distinguished career is a matter of great pride for the entire country.”
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Pranab Mukherjee served as the 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017. Before being elected as the President, he served as the Union Finance Minister from 2009-2012 and a senior leader of the Congress.
He was also awarded India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 2019 by the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind.
-PTC News
