Pranab Mukherjee, the 13th President in India, has got some glorious chapters in the history of Indian politics. Born on 11 December 1935 to a loyalist of Indian National Congress, Kamada Kinkar in West Bengal, Mr. Mukherjee started his mainstream political career as a union minister in 1969. In 2012, he has bid adieu to the politics to adorn the country's coveted office. During the long span of over four decades, Pranab Mukherjee has faced n number of challenges from his opponents in and outside the party. However, the determined Pranab accepted all the challenges and rose above the horizons. He rose to such a position that he became a care of address to the Congress whenever there was a major problem to the party. And finally Pranab Mukherjee labeled himself as trouble shooter of Congress and number two person in UPA Government until his retirement from politics to contest for presidential elections.
Stints as a teacher and journalist:
The 13th first citizen of India, Dr. Pranab Mukherjee has started his career as a teacher at a college. His constant interest in raising his voice against burning problems of the country made him tilt towards the fourth estate. He eventually gave up teaching profession and entered the field of journalism. He worked for a Bengali daily Desher Dak. During his stint as a journalist, he filed some thought provoking articles that called for action.
Gandhian loyalist:
Pranab Mukherjee's entry into Indian politics was not all of a sudden and strange. People around him thought he would enter politics as he always had a thought to do something for the nation. Politics then was more of service and less of power! He was always inspired by the tales of Indian Freedom Struggle and the role of Indian National Congress. Since his father was already a loyalist of Congress, it was easy for Pranab to follow the foot steps of his father. In late 1960s, Pranab Mukherjee entered politics not as a leader or an aspirant leader but just as an activist.
The then prime minister, Indira Gandhi recognized the loyalty of Pranab Mukherjee and made him a leader. Thus a true Congress leader emerged! For the first time, Indira Gandhi offered him to be a member of the Parliament. He was subsequently made Rajya Sabha member. Later, Manmohan Singh was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1975, 1981, 1993 and 1999. He even contested for Lok Sabha successfully and became the leader of the house.
Pranab moves out of Congress:
After assassination of Indira Gandhi, Pranab Mukherjee was not happy with Rajiv Gandhi becoming the prime minister. He strongly felt he was the true successor to Indira Gandhi. Over the differences with Rajiv Gandhi later, Pranab Mukherjee moved out of Congress party. He formed his own party—Rashtriya Samajwadi Congress (RSC) in 1986 in West Bengal. For three years, he continued with Samajwadi Congress and in 1989, he merged his party with Congress as Rajiv Gandh was keen to bring Pranab Mukherjee into Congress. After a compromise and agreement, Mr. Mukherjee became a Congress man again.
Positions:
Pranab Mukherjee handled almost all major ministries. He became a defence minister, finance minister, industrial development minister, minister of commerce, minister of external affairs,revenue and banking minister, minister of shipping and transport, treasurer of Congress party, treasurer of AICC, International Monetary Funds Board of Governors and leader of the house in Lok Sabha.
Personal life:
Mr. Pranab Mukherjee married Suvra Banerjee in 1957. He has two sons (Abhijit and Indrajit) and a daughter (Sharmistha). He used to spend most of his leisure in reading books, gardening and listening to music. Mukherjee's son Abhijeet is a Congress MLA from West Bengal and his daughter is a renowned Kathak dancer.
Pranab Mukherjee is a devotee of Goddess Durga and celebrates Durga Puja (one of the biggest festivals in West Bengal) at his home town Mirati village every year. Despite his busy schedule, Pranab used to celebrate the four-day festival at Mirati. Pranab Mukherjee earlier said that Durga Puja is an opportunity for him to spend time with people of his region.
Number 13 is considered to be a omen and there are even horror movies on this number. The reports said that most of the hotels across the globe don't have a room with number 13 as none prefers to book a room with that number. The number, which even sends chills down the spine to n number of people, has turned lucky to Pranab Mukherjee.
- He entered into wedlock on July 13
- He lives at 13, Talkatora Road
- He was elected to Lok Sabha for the first time on May 13, 2004
- His office in the Parliament was room number 13
- Pranab's presidential candidature was declared on June 13
- He became the 13th President of India
Pranab Mukherjee said he doesn't believe in all superstitions. He earlier said as to how people cautioned him when he decided to move to 13, Talkatora. He said nothing happened to him. In fact, he said number 13 was lucky.
Number 13 apart, UPA, which passed the ball to Pranab Mukherjee most of the times, in Lok Sabha whenever the opposition cried foul, has undoubtedly lost a great leader and an able minister but it gave a first ever Bengal President to the country and also a royal send-off to Pranab from politics. Will Congress ever find another Pranab to trouble shoot the party's problems will remain as a rhetoric question.
(AW Phani)
