New Delhi: Former President of India Pranab Mukherjee, who passed away last week in the capital at the age of 84, was cremated with full military honors at the Lodhi Road crematorium following a strict Covid-19 precautionary protocol.
His son Abhijit Mukherjee performed the final rites accompanied by a 21-gun military salute. Only close family members were allowed to enter the crematorium and those handling the mortal remains of Mukherjee wore PPE kits.
Following Covid-19 precautionary protocol, President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a galaxy of top political leaders who paid floral tributes to the departed soul at his 10, Rajaji Marg residence.
The government announced a 7-day State mourning till September 6 as a mark of respect to the veteran Parliamentarian who served as the Foreign, Defense, Commerce and Finance Minister in Congress ministries.
The distinguished statesman and scholar was conferred Bharat Ratna, the nation’s highest civilian honor, in 2019.
US President Donald Trump has extended his condolence over the demise of Pranab Mukherjee, saying, “saddened to learn of the passing of India’s former President, Pranab Mukherjee”.
Former US vice president Joe Biden tweeted: “President Shri Pranab Mukherjee was a devout public servant who believed deeply in the importance of our two nations tackling global challenges together.”
