Memorial for Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtriya Smriti

Sharmistha Mukherjee, his daughter, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to thank him for this honour. Mukherjee’s memorial, which will be placed within the same complex, will serve as a tribute to his immense contribution to India

New Delhi: The government has decided to set up a memorial for former President Pranab Mukherjee at the ‘Rashtriya Smriti’ area complex.

Mukherjee died on August 31, 2020. Sharmistha Mukherjee, daughter of the former President, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday and thanked him for honouring her father.

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“The Competent Authority has approved the earmarking of a designated site within the ‘Rashtriya Smriti’ complex (a part of the Rajghat precinct) for erecting a Samadhi of Late Shri Pranab Mukherjee, former President of India,” the government said in a letter to Sharmistha Mukherjee informing her of the decision.

After receiving the letter, Sharmistha Mukherjee sought an appointment with the PM to thank him for the honour. Mukherjee said that she was happy that the government had recognised the contribution of her late father and former President towards the nation.

“Called on Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi ji to express thanks and gratitude from core of my heart for his government’s decision to create a memorial for baba. It’s more cherished considering that we didn’t ask for it. “Immensely touched by this unexpected but truly gracious gesture by PM,” Sharmistha Mukherjee said in a post on X, while sharing her pictures of the meeting with the PM.

“Baba used to say that State honours shouldn’t be asked for, it should be offered. I’m so grateful that PM Modi did this to honour babas’ memory.

“It doesn’t affect baba where he is now — beyond applaud or criticism. But for his daughter, words are not sufficient to express my joy,” she also said, while sharing the letter sent by the government.

Sources said the government has already agreed to set up a memorial for Singh and a site is being finalised at the same Rashtriya Smriti area in consultation with his family.