Pranab mukherjee biography samples
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Mukherjee had viewed himself, and not the inexperienced Rajiv, as the rightfulsuccessor to Indirafollowing her assassination in 1984. He was re-elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1975, 1981, 1993 and 1999. He has 4 sisters, Annapurna Banerjee, Krishna Mukherjee, Jharna, and Swagata Das Mukherjee. He met former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher while he was the External Affairs Minister.
Pranab Mukherjee With Former British PM Margaret Thatcher
In 1997, when Sonia Gandhi formally entered politics, it was believed that Pranab Mukherjee was the one who convinced her.
Following a meteoric rise, he became one of Indira Gandhi's most trusted lieutenants, and a minister in her cabinet by 1973. In 1973, Indira Gandhi appointed Pranab Mukherjee as the Union Deputy Minister of Industrial Development.
Pranab Mukherjee With Indira Gandhi
In 1979, Mukherjee was appointed as the Deputy Leader of the Indian National Congress (INC) in the Rajya Sabha and the Leader of the Rajya Sabha in 1980.
He was the Leader of the House and the President of the West Bengal Congress Committee. He met many world leaders during his term as the Defence Minister.
Pranab Mukherjee With Vladimir Putin
In 2012, Pranab Mukherjee ended all his affiliations with the Congress party after he was elected as the President of India.
Known as the “man for all seasons” in Indian politics, he played a crucial role in shaping India’s economic, foreign, and domestic policies. In a politicalcareerspanning six decades, Mukherjee was a seniorleader of the IndianNationalCongress and occupiedseveralministerialportfolios in the Government of India. Mukherjee eventually became Indira Gandhi’s right-hand man, he became close to her and rose swiftly up the party ranks.
In 2007, Mukherjee was considered to be named as the Presidential candidate but his name was dropped considering his role in the UPA and the cabinet. His elder brother, Pijush Mukherjee, died on 20 October 2017.
Pranab Mukherjee With His Mother Rajlakshmi Mukherjee
Pranab Mukherjee With His Elder Brother Pijush Mukherjee
Pranab Mukherjee’s Elder Sister Annapurna Banerjee
Pranab Mukherjee With Her Sister Krishna
Pranab Mukherjee was married to Surva Mukherjee on 13 July 1957.
He was the first person from West Bengal to hold the post of President of India. Sangma claimed that Mukherjee was the Chairman of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) and according to Article 58 and 59, a presidential candidate cannot hold any office of profit including government-controlled bodies.
- When he was the Union Finance Minister from 2009 to 2012, he was accused of influencing the textile industry and the Income Tax Department and imposing a differential tax on Reliance Industries against Bombay Dyeing.
- In 2018, in his book The Coalition Years, he revealed that Sonia Gandhi hated Hindus and took many decisions that would affect the Hindus badly.
This environment deeply influenced Pranab’s early worldview.
Education
- Completed Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Suri Vidyasagar College.
- Earned a Master’s degree in Political Science and History from the University of Calcutta.
- Obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Calcutta.
Life Before Politics
- Worked as a lecturer in Political Science at Vidyanagar College, Kolkata.
- Later joined as a journalist for Desher Dak, a Bengali publication.
- His writing and teaching sharpened his analytical and political skills.
Entry into Politics
- Entered active politics in 1969, when he was elected to the Rajya Sabha on a Congress ticket, with support from Indira Gandhi.
- Quickly became one of Indira Gandhi’s most trusted aides, known for his sharp intellect and political acumen.
Rise in Indian Politics
- Served as Minister of Commerce, Steel, Finance, and External Affairs at different times.
- 1982–1984: Appointed as Finance Minister of India, credited with significant economic reforms.
- Played a crucial role in Congress decision-making and policy formulation for decades.
As Union Minister
Pranab Mukherjee handled some of the most important ministries in India:
- Finance Minister (1982–1984, 2009–2012): Strengthened India’s fiscal management and financial sector.
- External Affairs Minister (1995–1996, 2006–2009): Expanded India’s global relations.
- Defence Minister (2004–2006): Oversaw modernization of the armed forces.
President of India (2012–2017)
- Elected as the 13th President of India in 2012, succeeding Pratibha Patil.
- Known for being a “people’s President”, approachable and respected across political lines.
- Advocated for parliamentary democracy, constitutional values, and inclusive growth.
Major Achievements
- Architect of many economic policies and reforms.
- Strengthened India’s defence, finance, and foreign policies.
- Respected as a consensus-builder across political divides.
- Awarded the Bharat Ratna (2019), India’s highest civilian award.
Challenges and Criticism
- Criticized for loyalty to the Gandhi family, sometimes seen as a reason he was not considered for Prime Minister despite his capabilities.
- Faced criticism during his tenure as Finance Minister in the early 1980s for some economic decisions.
- His presidency was at times criticized for pardoning death penalty petitions slowly.
Personality and Leadership Style
Pranab Mukherjee was admired for his sharp memory, discipline, and ability to manage crises.
Before him are Alexander Gauland, Ramon Berenguer IV, Count of Provence, Empress Dowager Ci'an, Marek Edelman, Rajaram I, and Nuri al-Said. Before him are Moussa Traoré, Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Gerald Carr, Tom Lister Jr., Mirella Freni, and Ernesto Cardenal. He also used to be a journalist for some time with the newspaper-Desher Dak (Call of the Motherland).
Pranab Mukherjee was appointed as the President of the West Bengal Congress in 2000 and he held on to that post until 2010.
Pranab Mukherjee With Sonia Gandhi
Pranab Mukherjee contested and won his first Lok Sabha election in 2004 from the Jangipur Constituency of West Bengal. Surva Mukherjee died on 18 August 2015 after suffering from heart problems.
Pranab Mukherjee With His Wife Suvra Mukherjee
Pranab Mukherjee With His Daughter Sharmistha Mukherjee
Pranab Mukherjee With His Son Abhijit Mukherjee
Pranab Mukherjee’s Son Indrajit Mukherjee
Political Career
Pranab Mukherjee got associated with politics directly when he managed the by-election campaign of V.
K. Krishna Menon from Midnapore, West Bengal. In 1963, he became a Political Science Lecturer at the Vidyanagar College, South 24 Parganas, Kolkata. He wanted to give his family time during festivals.
Pranab Mukherjee With His Family
- He was a heavy smoker in the ’90s but then quit.
Pranab Mukherjee Smoking
- As the President, he rejected 7 mercy petitions including those of Afzal Guru and Ajmal Kasab.
- In June 2018, Pranab Mukherjee became the first Former President of India to address a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) event.
- In 2017, he quit politics.
Pranab Mukherjee