Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday commemorated the birth anniversary of former President Pranab Mukherjee, lauding him as a towering statesman and a scholar of extraordinary depth whose lifelong service left an indelible mark on Indian democracy.
Born on December 11, 1935, in a Bengali family, Pranab Mukherjee rose through India’s political ranks to become the nation’s 13th President, serving from 2012 to 2017. He was the first West Bengal to occupy the country’s highest constitutional office.
Sharing his tribute on X, PM Modi said, “A towering statesman and a scholar of exceptional depth, he served India with unwavering dedication across decades of public life. Pranab Babu’s intellect and clarity of thought enriched our democracy at every step. It’s a privilege that I got to learn so much from him over the many years we interacted.”
Tributes to Shri Pranab Mukherjee on his birth anniversary. A towering statesman and a scholar of exceptional depth, he served India with unwavering dedication across decades of public life. Pranab Babu’s intellect and clarity of thought enriched our democracy at every step. It’s… pic.twitter.com/CSUctgZAmm
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 11, 2025
Leaders Pay Homage
Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted Mukherjee’s profound understanding of the Constitution, stating that his life would continue to guide India’s democratic ideals. “His life and works will continue to inspire our democratic journey,” Shah noted.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda also remembered Mukherjee, praising his humility, knowledge, and contributions that ‘touched countless lives and will motivate future generations committed to India’s progress.’
Pranab Mukherjee’s illustrious career spanned several decades, during which he held key portfolios including Finance, Defence, Commerce, and External Affairs. Elected to the Rajya Sabha five times and to the Lok Sabha twice, he spent 23 years in the Congress Working Committee, the party’s top decision-making body.
Between 2004 and 2012, he helped shape transformative policies on administrative reforms, Right to Information, Right to Employment, and food and energy security. He also oversaw the expansion of IT and telecom, and the creation of UIDAI and metro rail networks.
Earlier, in the 1970s and 1980s, Mukherjee played a pivotal role in establishing Regional Rural Banks, EXIM Bank of India, and NABARD, contributing to India’s financial and rural development.
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