The Central Government has allocated a site within the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal at Delhi’s Rajghat complex for a memorial dedicated to Pranab Mukherjee, India’s 13th President, who passed away in August 2020.
Pranab Mukherjee’s daughter, Sharmistha Mukherjee, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the decision, describing it as “unexpected” and “gracious.” In a letter dated January 1 from the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Sharmistha was informed of the allocation.
Pranab Mukherjee’s daughter, Sharmistha Mukherjee (right) meets PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday. (Photo shared on X by Sharmistha Mukherjee)
Following her meeting with the Prime Minister, Sharmistha remarked, “Baba used to say that state honours shouldn’t be asked for; they should be offered. I’m so grateful that PM Modi did this to honour Baba’s memory. It’s a deeply touching gesture.”
Called on Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji to express thanks & gratitude from core of my heart 4 his govts’ decision 2 create a memorial 4 baba. It’s more cherished considering that we didn’t ask for it. Immensely touched by this unexpected but truly gracious gesture by PM 1/2 pic.twitter.com/IRHON7r5Tk
— Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) January 7, 2025
Mukherjee’s Legacy
Pranab Mukherjee, a veteran statesman, had a political career spanning over five decades. A senior leader of the Indian National Congress, Mukherjee held critical ministerial portfolios, including Finance Minister (2009–2012), before being elected President. His tenure as President from 2012 to 2017 was marked by statesmanship and non-partisan leadership.
In 2019, he was conferred the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, by then-President Ram Nath Kovind.
Criticism of Congress Response
Despite his long association with the Congress, Sharmistha Mukherjee voiced disappointment with the party’s response to her father’s passing. She noted that the Congress Working Committee (CWC) failed to convene a formal meeting to pass a condolence resolution.
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“Before becoming President, Baba was a Congress stalwart for 45 years and associated with the CWC for 30 years,” she said, adding that while Sonia Gandhi sent her a personal condolence letter, the absence of an institutional resolution felt disheartening.
She highlighted how, contrary to claims of presidents being above party lines, a condolence meeting was held when former President KR Narayanan passed away. “My father even drafted the condolence message for KR Narayanan,” she revealed.
A Tribute Befitting a Statesman
The memorial at the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal will serve as a tribute to Pranab Mukherjee’s enduring legacy, honoring his contributions to Indian politics and public service. The gesture underscores his significance as a leader who bridged divides and earned respect across political lines.
