Former President Pranab Mukherjee Passes Away

Former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee passed away at the age of 84 in Delhi today. Mukherjee, who served as the 13th President of India, was hospitalized at the Army Hospital on August 10. His son Abhijit took to Twitter and made the announcement.

"With a Heavy Heart , this is to inform you that my father Shri #PranabMukherjee has just passed away inspite of the best efforts of Doctors of RR Hospital & prayers ,duas & prarthanas from people throughout India ! I thank all of You Folded hands," he tweeted.

Pranab Mukherjee was admitted to the hospital in a critical condition and tests revealed a large clot in his brain for which he underwent an emergency life-saving surgery. Post-surgery Mukherjee remained critical and on ventilator support.

Ahead of his hospitalization, the veteran Congress leader had tweeted, "On a visit to the hospital for a separate procedure, I have tested positive for Covid-19 today. I request the people who came in contact with me in the last week, to please self-isolate and get tested for Covid-19."

President Ram Nath Kovind expressed his condolences on the demise and wrote on Twitter, "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."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, 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." 

The Government of India has declared seven-day national mourning as a mark of respect to the former president and Bharat Ratna recipient.