Pranab Mukherjee
Pranab Mukherjee: A Life of Public Service
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Pranab Kumar Mukherjee, also known as Mamata Banerjee's unlikely ally, was the 13th President of India, serving from 2012 to 2017.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on December 11, 1935
Passed away on August 31, 2020
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Indian politician and statesman
Early Life and Background
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Born in Mirati village of Birbhum district in West Bengal, Pranab Mukherjee was the youngest child of Kamada Kinnar Roy and Ashutosh Lahiri. His family was a traditional one with deep roots in social service. His father, a lawyer by profession, was a member of the Indian National Congress and later became a minister in the government of West Bengal.
Mukherjee's entry into politics began at an early age when he joined the Indian National Congress as a student leader. He graduated from Presidency College in Kolkata with a degree in History. In 1952, he joined the Indian Civil Service (ICS) but opted out to join the Indian Parliament after India became independent.
Major Accomplishments
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Mukherjee's tenure in office was marked by significant milestones:
First Vice President of India: He served from August 31, 1967 to May 24, 1969.
Foreign Minister: Mukherjee held this position twice – first from 1973 to 1975 and then again from 2006 to 2009.
Finance Minister: He was the Finance Minister of India for five years, overseeing significant economic reforms.Notable Works or Actions
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As President:
Mukherjee focused on strengthening parliamentary democracy in India.
He supported social welfare policies and initiated several schemes aimed at empowering marginalized communities.
His administration also took measures to boost the country's economic growth.
Mukherjee's quotes, as well as those about him, offer valuable insights into his vision for a prosperous and inclusive society:
>"Democracy is not just a system of governance but a way of life." – Pranab Mukherjee
Impact and Legacy
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Pranab Mukherjee's contributions to Indian politics are multifaceted. His commitment to social welfare, economic development, and parliamentary democracy has had far-reaching impacts:
Strengthening Parliamentary Democracy: He played a crucial role in institutionalizing India's parliamentary system.
Empowering Marginalized Communities: Through various initiatives, Mukherjee aimed to bridge the socio-economic gap between different sections of society.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Mukherjee is remembered for his tireless efforts towards building a more equitable and prosperous India. His commitment to public service has made him an inspiration for generations:
Visionary Leadership: His leadership style was characterized by transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness.
Innovative Solutions: Mukherjee often sought novel solutions to the complex problems facing the nation.
As a statesman and a leader, Pranab Mukherjee left behind a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of public servants.
Quotes by Pranab Mukherjee

The fact remains that secularism is inherent in the Indian system, in the Indian ethos and culture. India cannot but be secular.

In the 1980s, we were advised, why don’t you follow Reaganomics or Thatcherite economics. We said, yes, there are good points, let’s see how we can fit them in the Indian economy. Every country has its own way of moving forward.

If the rise of European colonisation began in 18th century India, then the rallying cry of ‘Jai Hind!’ also signalled its end in 1947.

The door for discussions is still open. Only you can say whether it (possibilities of a grand alliance) is a closed chapter.

The invention of the concept of sustainable human development and that of so-called human security, as opposed to territorial security of nation- states, and its promotion by the UN is in clear contradiction to all that we, the Group of 77, and the UN Charter itself consider inalienable, namely national sovereignty and security.

As Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, had said in Shakespeare's immortal words, 'I must be cruel only to be kind.

If the plane lands, it will be obstructed from taking off. We will also intercept it in the sky to prevent it from leaving Indian airspace,

They (Left Front government) have destroyed democratic institutions in the state. Parliamentary democracy becomes strong when there is an independent police, administration and judiciary.

The Cabinet has given the approval for promulgation of National Commission for Minority Education.

Now after arrest, within three months, the consular services will have to be made available.