RNS: Former President Pranab Mukherjee passed away on Monday evening. He was 84. The Central government announced seven-days of state mourn.
Mukherjee was admitted to the Army’s Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi Cantonment on August 10 and was operated the same day for the removal of a clot in his brain. He later developed a lung infection and renal dysfunction.
“As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, seven days State Mourning will be observed throughout India from 31 August to 06 September, both days inclusive,” the government said in a statement.
During the period of state mourning, the national flag will fly at half-mast at all buildings throughout the country wherever it is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment, it added.
Earlier today, hospital authorities said his condition deteriorated further and he was in a state of septic shock due to a lung infection. His death was announced by his son Abhijit Mukherjee.
“With a heavy heart, this is to inform you that my father Shri Pranab Mukherjee has just passed away in spite of the best efforts of doctors of RR Hospital and prayers, duas and prathanas from people throughout India. I thank all of you,” his son Abhijit Mukherjee tweeted.
President Ram Nath Kovind condoled the death of his predecessor Pranab Mukherjee saying his demise is the passing of an era and the nation mourns losing one of its worthiest sons.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “India grieves the passing away of Bharat Ratna Pranab Mukherjee. He has left an indelible mark on the development trajectory of our nation. A scholar par excellence, a towering statesman, he was admired across the political spectrum & by all sections of society.”
