Former Indian president Pranab Mukherjee passed away on Monday after prolonged illness.
Mukherjee's son Abhijit took to Twitter to make the announcement. In a post, he said, "With a Heavy Heart, this is to inform you that my father Shri #PranabMukherjee has just passed away in spite of the best efforts of doctors of RR Hospital & prayers, duas & prarthanas from people throughout India ! I thank all of You Folded hands."
He was 84.
Pranab Mukherjee served as India's President between 2012 and 2017. His career in politics spanned over five decades. As a Congress leader, Pranab Mukherjee held a wide array of top cabinet posts, including finance, defense, home, among others, according to India Today. He was serving as Finance Minister in the UPA II when he was fielded as a candidate for presidentship.
He had defeated PA Sangma with a wide margin to enter the President's House. However, after serving a five-year term as the President of India, he refused to contest the election again and stepped down due to health concerns.
He hailed from West Bengal. He famously attended every Durga Puja at his home town Mirati in Birbhum district. For his distinguished service to the nation he was first awarded India's second highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan in 2008 and then honored with Bharat Ratna - India's highest civilian award in 2019.
