Pranab Mukherjee, Politician, Former President of India
Politician, Former President of India

Pranab Mukherjee

Born 11 December 1935 · West Bengal — Died 31 August 2020

Served as the 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017, first from West Bengal.

Pranab Kumar Mukherjee was an Indian politician who served as the president of India from 2012 until 2017. He was the first person from West Bengal to hold the post of President of India. In a political career spanning five decades, Mukherjee was a senior leader in the Indian National Congress and occupied several top ministerial portfolios in the Government of India. Prior to his election as President, Mukherjee was Finance Minister from 2009 to 2012 also in 1982 to 1984.

✨

A detail that
surprised us

“

Pranab Mukherjee was the first former President of India to address an event of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in June 2018, a notable political bridge.

The Story

1
In 1969, Pranab Mukherjee entered national politics when Indira Gandhi facilitated his election to the Rajya Sabha, marking the start of his 50-year influence on Indian governance.
2
🌟 By 1982, he had become India's Finance Minister for the first time, steering economic policy during a critical period until 1984, while also serving as Leader of the Rajya Sabha from 1980 to 1985.
3In 1986, after being dropped from Rajiv Gandhi's cabinet, Mukherjee founded the Rashtriya Samajwadi Congress, only to merge it back with the Indian National Congress in 1989, demonstrating his political resilience.
4⚔️ From 1991 to 1996, he chaired the Planning Commission, later taking on the Foreign Affairs portfolio in 1995, influencing India's economic planning and diplomatic engagements.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Bharat Ratna

🔍 One thing most people don't know

“

In 1986, after being dropped from the cabinet, Mukherjee launched his own party, the Rashtriya Samajwadi Congress, which he merged back with Congress just three years later in 1989.

🖼️

Through the Years

1 photograph from the archives
Wax statue of Pranab Mukherjee displayed among Indian presidents at Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum (2024).
Wax statue of Pranab Mukherjee displayed among Indian presidents at Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum (2024).
2024

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Mirati, Bengal Presidency
Pranab Mukherjee was born in a Bengali Brahmin family in Mirati village, now in Birbhum district, West Bengal.
1935
⚡
Career
Elected to Rajya Sabha
Indira Gandhi helped Mukherjee get elected to the Rajya Sabha, marking his entry into national politics.
1969
⚡
Career
Finance Minister First Term
Mukherjee served as Finance Minister from 1982 to 1984 and was Leader of Rajya Sabha from 1980 to 1985.
1982
⚡
Career
Head of Planning Commission
Appointed by PM P.V. Narasimha Rao as head of the Planning Commission from 1991 to 1996.
1991
⚡
Career
Elected to Lok Sabha
Entered the lower house of Parliament for the first time and became Leader of the House, serving until 2012.
2004
⚡
Career
Sworn in as President of India
Mukherjee became the 13th President, the first from West Bengal, serving a full term until 2017.
2012
🕊️
Death
Passed away in Delhi
Died after complications from brain surgery, triggering seven days of national mourning.
2020
More moments to come...
+ Add a moment

🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Mukherjee was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2019, a year after his presidency ended, by his successor Ram Nath Kovind.

02 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

He served as Leader of the House in both the Rajya Sabha (1980-85) and Lok Sabha (2004-12), a rare distinction reflecting his parliamentary mastery.

03 / 05
👤PERSONAL

Mukherjee authored several books including 'Beyond Survival: Emerging Dimensions of Indian Economy' in 1984, revealing his scholarly bent alongside politics.

“

verify

— Pranab Mukherjee

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Pranab Mukherjee - Remembering the ex-President, Congress politician in speeches and interviews
·YouTube
More from this archive
Pranab Mukherjee - Remembering the ex-President, Congress politician in speeches and interviews
01
Pranab Mukherjee - Remembering the ex-President, Congress politician in speeches and interviews
YouTube
Pranab Mukherjee's Rare Interviews | Remembering India's Former President
02
Pranab Mukherjee's Rare Interviews | Remembering India's Former President
YouTube
Pranab Mukherjee | Former President Guided by Knowledge, Tagore’s Spirit and Classical Harmony
03
Pranab Mukherjee | Former President Guided by Knowledge, Tagore’s Spirit and Classical Harmony
YouTube
Exclusive: President Pranab Mukherjee On India's Culture Of Tolerance
04
Exclusive: President Pranab Mukherjee On India's Culture Of Tolerance
YouTube
Pranab Mukherjee's speech: Part 1
05
Pranab Mukherjee's speech: Part 1
YouTube
Pranab Mukherjee an Indian politician, government official and president of India (2012–17)
06
Pranab Mukherjee an Indian politician, government official and president of India (2012–17)
YouTube
Hon’ble President Pranab Mukherjee’s address to the Nation on the Eve of 66th Republic Day (English)
07
Hon’ble President Pranab Mukherjee’s address to the Nation on the Eve of 66th Republic Day (English)
YouTube
Khas Mulaqat with Pranab Mukherjee
08
Khas Mulaqat with Pranab Mukherjee
YouTube
Former President Pranab Mukherjee’s Farewell Speech - Full Speech
09
Former President Pranab Mukherjee’s Farewell Speech - Full Speech
YouTube
I owe Indira Gandhi everything, she was my mentor: Pranab to NDTV
10
I owe Indira Gandhi everything, she was my mentor: Pranab to NDTV
YouTube

🌱 What changed because of them

Mukherjee’s tenure as Finance Minister during two critical periods laid foundations for economic reforms and fiscal policies that influenced India’s growth trajectory. His leadership in diverse ministries like Defence and External Affairs steered India's strategic and diplomatic directions in the early 21st century. As President, his scrutiny of legislation and use of presidential powers underscored a proactive engagement rarely seen in the largely ceremonial role.

💬 Social Buzz

💬

What are people saying about Pranab Mukherjee?

Share posts from historians, journalists and notable voices about this icon. 🇮🇳

💭 Memories & Tributes

Share your memory of Pranab Mukherjee...
Loading memories...
Is this profile accurate?