Pranab Mukherjee, a towering figure in Indian politics, served as the nation’s 13th President. His five-decade-long career left an indelible mark on the Indian National Congress and the country itself.
Wiki/Biography
Pranab Mukherjee was born on December 11, 1935, in Mirati, Bengal Presidency, British India. His zodiac sign was Sagittarius. He received his early education at Dhaka Collegiate School in Bangladesh. He then earned his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Suri Vidyasagar College in Birbhum, West Bengal, followed by a Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science and History from the same institution.
After graduating, he worked as an upper-division clerk. Later, he transitioned into academia, teaching Political Science at Vidyanagar College. His journalistic endeavors included a stint with the newspaper Desher Dak (Call of the Motherland). His involvement in V. K. Krishna Menon’s by-election campaign in 1969 marked a pivotal moment, bringing him to the attention of Indira Gandhi and launching his political career within the Indian National Congress (INC).
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5′
- Eye Color: Black
- Hair Color: Grey
Family, Caste & Wife
Mukherjee hailed from a Kulin Brahmin family. His father, Kamada Kinkar Mukherjee, was a prominent figure in the Indian Independence Movement and the West Bengal Legislative Council. His mother, Rajlakshmi Mukherjee, was also a freedom fighter. He had four sisters: Annapurna Banerjee, Krishna Mukherjee, Jharna, and Swagata Das Mukherjee. His elder brother, Pijush Mukherjee, passed away in 2017.
He married Suvra Mukherjee on July 13, 1957. The couple had two sons, Abhijit and Indrajit, and a daughter, Sharmistha. Suvra Mukherjee passed away in 2015.
Career
Mukherjee’s political journey began with his successful management of V. K. Krishna Menon’s by-election campaign. Impressed by his abilities, Indira Gandhi brought him into the Congress party. He was first elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1969 and served multiple terms. His rise through the ranks was swift, becoming a close confidante of Indira Gandhi and holding several key ministerial positions.
His tenure as Finance Minister was particularly noteworthy, a period that included India’s first loan from the IMF. He navigated complex political landscapes, including periods of significant change and upheaval within the Congress party. His roles encompassed various portfolios, including External Affairs and Defence, providing him with extensive experience and influence on the national and international stage.
In 2012, he was elected as the 13th President of India, marking the culmination of a remarkable career. His presidency was characterized by statesmanship and a dedication to national unity.
Awards, Honours & Achievements
Mukherjee received numerous accolades throughout his life, including:
- Padma Bhushan (2008)
- Euromoney’s Best Finance Minister in the World (1984)
- Emerging Markets’ Finance Minister of the Year for Asia (2010)
- The Banker magazine’s Finance Minister of the Year (2010)
- Numerous Honorary Doctorates from prestigious universities worldwide
- Bharat Ratna (2019), India’s highest civilian honor
Controversies
Throughout his career, Mukherjee faced several controversies, including accusations related to holding an office of profit and allegations of influence peddling. Later in life, his book, “The Coalition Years,” generated significant debate.
Address
Flat No. 2-A, Kavi Bharti Sarani, Lake Road, Kolkata
Car Collection
He owned a Ford Ikon (2000 model) and an Ambassador.
Books Authored
Mukherjee authored several books offering insights into Indian politics and economics.
Assets & Properties
| Asset Type | Value (approx., as of 2011) |
|---|---|
| Cash | 1.37 Lacs INR |
| Bank Deposits | 59.67 Lacs INR |
| Agricultural Land | 1.66 Lacs INR |
| Residential Flats | 60 Lacs INR (Total) |
| Ancestral House | 60,000 INR |
Net Worth
Approximately 3.06 Crores INR (as of 2011)
Death
Pranab Mukherjee passed away on August 31, 2020, at the Army’s Research and Referral hospital in New Delhi due to a lung infection. He had previously undergone brain surgery and tested positive for COVID-19.
Facts
- First Bengali President of India
- Enjoyed reading, gardening, and music
- Admired Deng Xiaoping
- Never missed Durga Puja celebrations
- Former smoker
- Rejected several mercy petitions
- Addressed an RSS event in 2018
- Retired from politics in 2017
His daughter, Sharmistha Mukherjee, published a book in 2023 titled “Pranab, My Father: A Daughter Remembers,” which offers personal insights into his life and career.
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