Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday heaped praise on President Pranab Mukherjee, saying he is fortunate that he got the opportunity to work with the president.
Speaking at the book launch of ‘President A Statesman’ at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Prime Minister said that he also got the privilege to set himself in the national capital under the guidance of the President.
While showering praise on Mukherjee, he said, “The Presidency is much more than protocol. Through the photographs in the book, we see the human side of our President & we feel proud.” "I am saying this from deep within. Like a father caring for his son...," he said turning emotional. "Modi ji, you will have to rest for half day, Pranab da would say. 'Why are you running around so much; you must cut down on your programmes. You will have to take care of your health,' the Prime Minister said.
"It was during the UP polls that he told me that win and loss happen all the time but will you take care of your body or not? It was not part of his responsibilities as the president but it was the humane person inside him which cared for a friend," the prime minister said. Mukherjee is an inspirational figure, he said as he recalled his association with people from different walks of life who made an impact on him.
The Presidency is much more than protocol. Through the photographs in the book, we see the human side of our President & we feel proud: PM pic.twitter.com/MUIiKaY7ns
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 2, 2017
He further added, “It is my view that we can be more history-conscious as a society. We can preserve aspects of our history much better.”
It is my privilege that I got to work with the Honourable President (Pranab Mukherjee): PM Narendra Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan pic.twitter.com/qWEyzAQhjg
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 2, 2017
President Mukherjee, too, expressed his "deep gratitude and appreciation" for Modi. (With PTI Inputs)