Early Life and Education

Pranab Kumar Mukherjee was born on December 11, 1935, in Mirati, a village in Birbhum, West Bengal. His father, Kamada Kinkar Mukherjee, was a freedom fighter and state legislator. Pranab studied at Suri Vidyasagar College and earned Master’s degrees in Political Science and History, along with an LL.B. from the University of Calcutta. Before politics, he worked as a clerk, taught political science at Vidyanagar College, and wrote for the Bengali publication Desher Dak.

Political Career

Mukherjee entered politics in 1969, elected to the Rajya Sabha with Indira Gandhi‘s support. He became one of her closest aides and held major ministries like Finance, Defence, External Affairs, and Commerce. In 1982, Mukherjee became India’s youngest Finance Minister at 47, and Euromoney named him the world’s best finance minister in 1984.

After a brief split from Congress in 1986, Pranab founded the Rashtriya Samajwadi Congress, which re-merged with Congress in 1989. He won his first Lok Sabha election in 2004 from Jangipur, West Bengal, and went on to head three top ministries—Defence, External Affairs, and Finance—becoming the first future President to have done so.

Presidency (2012–2017)

In 2012, Mukherjee became the 13th President of India and the first Bengali to hold the office. He upheld constitutional values and took an active role in national matters. He decided on 34 mercy petitions, rejecting 30, including those of Ajmal Kasab and Afzal Guru. He also made important diplomatic visits, strengthening ties with countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Israel.

Legacy and Death

After his presidency, Mukherjee continued to lecture and write on public affairs. In 2019, he received the Bharat Ratna for his decades of service. He passed away on August 31, 2020, at age 84, following brain surgery complications and a COVID-19 infection. Leaders across all parties paid tribute to him. Pranab Mukherjee’s life reflected deep commitment to public service and the Constitution. His legacy continues to inspire future generations.

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