Pranab Mukherjee — 'Man for All Seasons'
Pranab Mukherjee was a distinguished politician, statesman and public servant, who served as the 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017. With a political career spanning over five decades, Mukherjee left an indelible mark on Indian politics through his roles as a parliamentarian, administrator and a key architect of India’s policymaking.
Born on December 11, 1935, in Mirati, a small village in West Bengal's Birbhum district, Mukherjee hailed from a politically active family. His father, Kamada Kinkar Mukherjee, was a freedom fighter and member of the Indian National Congress. Mukherjee earned a Master’s degree in history and political science and a law degree from the University of Calcutta. He later worked as a teacher and journalist before entering politics.
His political journey began in 1969 when he was elected to the Rajya Sabha with the support of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He quickly rose through the ranks due to his intellect, work ethics and problem-solving abilities. Mukherjee became a trusted lieutenant of Gandhi and played pivotal roles in shaping India’s economic and political policies. Over his career, he held key portfolios, including Finance, Defence, External Affairs, and Commerce, in the cabinets of Indira Gandhi, PV Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh.
Mukherjee’s tenure as Finance Minister in the early 1980s was particularly noteworthy. He was credited with presenting India’s first zero-deficit Budget in 1984 and laying the groundwork for economic reforms. In 1991, as part of Rao’s government, he played a crucial role in supporting the liberalisation policies that transformed India’s economy.
Known for his grasp of parliamentary procedures and legal matters, Mukherjee was often called upon to resolve political crises. He was instrumental in managing coalitions and fostering consensus among diverse political parties, earning him the title of “Man for All Seasons”.
In 2012, Mukherjee was elected the President of India, a role in which he further exemplified his commitment to the Constitution and democratic values. During his presidency, he was noted for promoting education, scientific research and inclusive development. He advocated for preserving India’s pluralistic culture and underscored the importance of tolerance and dialogue.
After retiring from public office in 2017, Mukherjee remained active in public life, delivering lectures and authoring books on politics, history and governance. His memoirs, a four-part series, provide deep insights into India’s political evolution.
Pranab Mukherjee was honoured with numerous awards, including the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 2019. His legacy as a consensus-builder, reformer and guardian of democratic institutions continues to inspire the people of the country.
He passed away on August 31, 2020, leaving behind a legacy of statesmanship, pragmatism and dedication to public service. His life stands as a testament to the power of dialogue and the enduring spirit of democratic governance.
