President Pranab Mukherjee to deliver farewell address to nation today ahead of demitting office

On the eve of demitting office, outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee will address the nation at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 7:30 pm on Monday. After addressing, Mukherjee will host dinner for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and cabinet ministers.

Members of Parliament on Sunday bid adieu to Mukherjee at a gala ceremony in the Central Hall of Parliament as leaders recalled his contribution in upholding democratic values.

81-year-old Mukherjee was received by Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar at Parliament for the farewell ceremony.

The outgoing president expressed gratitude to the parliamentarians for the farewell. “After Independence, we undertook to promote fraternity, dignity and unity of the nation. These ideals became the lodestar for the country,” he said.

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He asked the members to avoid frequent disruptions in Parliament saying it hurt the opposition more. “During my years in Parliament, I learnt that it stands for debate, discussion and dissent. I also learnt that disruptions hurt the opposition more,” he said.

PM Modi also gave farewell to Mukherjee on Saturday. PM Modi hosted a dinner for Mukherjee. The function at Hyderabad House was also attended by President-elect Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President Hamid Ansari. On the occasion, the Prime Minister presented a memento to the outgoing president, the PMO said. “In keeping with tradition, PM Narendra Modi presents a memento to President Pranab Mukherjee at the farewell hosted by him for the President,” Press Information Bureau tweeted. Mukherjee also signed the visitors’ book.

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