Former president Pranab Mukherjee to be awarded Bharat Ratna on August 8

Mukherjee, India's 13th President, was selected for Bharat Ratna - India's highest civilian award - in January of 2019.

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Victor Dasgupta
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Former president Pranab Mukherjee to be awarded Bharat Ratna on August 8

Former president Pranab Mukherjee to be awarded Bharat Ratna on August 8

Former President Pranab Mukherjee will be awarded the Bharat Ratna on August 8. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier took to Twitter to congratulate Mukherjee for his service to the country. "Pranab Da is an outstanding statesman of our times. He has served the nation selflessly and tirelessly for decades, leaving a strong imprint on the nation's growth trajectory. His wisdom and intellect have few parallels. Delighted that he has been conferred the Bharat Ratna," he had tweeted.

Mukherjee, was selected for Bharat Ratna - India's highest civilian award - in January of 2019. The announcement had been made in a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan which also said the award would be given posthumously to social activist Nanaji Deshmukh and noted Assamese singer Bhupen Hazarika.

Mukherjee had also been congratulated by Rahul Gandhi, who was the Congress President then. "Congratulations to Pranab Da on being awarded the Bharat Ratna! The Congress Party takes great pride in the fact that the immense contribution to public service & nation-building of one of our own, has been recognised & honoured," he had tweeted.

Pranab Mukherjee has been a senior leader in the Indian National Congress and has occupied several ministerial portfolios in the Government of India. He studied at Suri Vidyasagar College and later earned advanced degree in history and political science as well as in law.

Pranab Mukherjee married Suvra Mukherjee, who hailed from Narail in Bangladesh, and migrated to Kolkata at the age of 10.Prolific singer-composer Dr Bhupen Hazarika will be awarded Bharat Ratna posthumously during August 8 ceremony.

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