The Central Government’s Decision to Honor Pranab Mukherjee with a Memorial
The Central Government has decided to establish a memorial for Pranab Mukherjee, the 13th President of India and a stalwart of Indian politics, at the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal within the Rajghat complex in Delhi. Mukherjee, a veteran Congress leader, passed away on August 31, 2020, leaving behind a rich legacy of political wisdom and statesmanship. This decision, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, aims to honor Mukherjee’s decades-long contribution to the nation’s governance and development. His daughter, Sharmistha Mukherjee, expressed her heartfelt appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this unexpected yet gracious gesture. The memorial will serve as a lasting tribute to his exemplary service to the country.
Key Details About the Memorial
Location: Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, within the historic Rajghat complex, New Delhi
Approval Authority: Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
Purpose: The memorial is intended to celebrate and honor Pranab Mukherjee’s unparalleled contributions to Indian politics and governance.
Acknowledgment: Sharmistha Mukherjee, Pranab Mukherjee’s daughter, expressed her gratitude to the Prime Minister for the memorial, calling it a remarkable and unexpected honor for her father.
Pranab Mukherjee’s Illustrious Political Journey
Pranab Mukherjee entered politics in 1969 under the banner of the Indian National Congress during Indira Gandhi’s leadership. His political career spanned over five decades, during which he held several significant ministerial portfolios. These included roles such as the Finance Minister, Defence Minister, and External Affairs Minister. Mukherjee’s tenure as the President of India, from 2012 to 2017, was marked by his deep constitutional knowledge and his ability to foster cordial relations with leaders across the political spectrum, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Mukherjee’s statesmanship and pragmatic approach earned him respect not only within the Congress party but also across party lines. His relationship with PM Modi, in particular, was highlighted when he was conferred the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, in 2019 by the NDA government.
Significance of the Memorial
The proposed memorial holds immense political and historical significance. It will be the first memorial dedicated to a Congress leader at the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal by the BJP-led NDA government. This decision is reflective of Mukherjee’s bipartisan appeal and his ability to bridge political divides. His close association with PM Modi, coupled with the Bharat Ratna recognition, are key factors in this honor.
The memorial will join the existing tributes at the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, such as the one dedicated to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. By including Mukherjee’s memorial, the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal continues to evolve as a symbol of respect for India’s most distinguished leaders, transcending party lines.
Political Context and Relevance
Pranab Mukherjee’s political journey was not without its complexities. His relationship with the Gandhi family was occasionally strained, and his independent decisions often created ripples within the Congress. A significant moment of contention arose in 2018 when he visited the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur, an event that drew criticism from within his party.
Interestingly, the BJP government’s recognition of Mukherjee’s contributions mirrors similar gestures, such as the posthumous Bharat Ratna awarded to another Congress stalwart, P.V. Narasimha Rao, in 2023. These honors underscore the BJP’s acknowledgment of historical figures who made substantial contributions to India’s development, irrespective of their political affiliations.
Reaction from Sharmistha Mukherjee
Sharmistha Mukherjee, Pranab Mukherjee’s daughter, expressed profound gratitude to Prime Minister Modi, describing the memorial as an “unexpected yet gracious” New Year’s gift. She reflected on her father’s belief that honors of this nature should be conferred by the state rather than sought after. Her sentiments capture the dignity and humility with which Pranab Mukherjee approached his public service.
Achievements and Legacy of Pranab Mukherjee
Pranab Mukherjee’s illustrious career is marked by numerous milestones:
- 1969: Began his political journey by joining the Congress under Indira Gandhi’s leadership.
- 1982: Took charge as the Finance Minister of India, a portfolio he managed with distinction on multiple occasions.
- 2012-2017: Served as the 13th President of India, earning widespread respect for his constitutional acumen.
- 2018: Visited the RSS headquarters, which sparked controversy but highlighted his openness to dialogue.
- 2019: Honored with the Bharat Ratna by the NDA government.
- 2020: Passed away on August 31, leaving a void in Indian politics.
Summary of Key Facts
- Why in News: The Central Government has decided to build a memorial for Pranab Mukherjee.
- Memorial Location: Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, Rajghat Complex, Delhi.
- Approving Authority: Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
- Presidential Tenure: Mukherjee served as the President of India from 2012 to 2017.
- Significant Honors: Conferred with the Bharat Ratna in 2019.
- Political Significance: The first Congress leader memorial established by the NDA government.
- Key Relationships: Known for fostering warm ties with leaders across the political spectrum, including PM Modi.
