Pranab Mukherjee's Memorial To Be Set Up At Rajghat, Daughter Says 'Immensely Touched By Gesture'

The announcement was shared by Sharmistha Mukherjee, daughter of the former president, who met PM Modi on Tuesday to express gratitude for the government's decision to create a memorial for her father

File photo of Former President Pranab Mukherjee.

Source : IANS

The central government has decided to set up a memorial for former president Pranab Mukherjee at the 'Rashtriya Smriti' area complex in Rajghat of the national capital. 

The development was shared by Sharmistha Mukherjee, daughter of the former president, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday to express gratitude for the government's decision to create a memorial for her father. Pranab Mukherjee died on August 31, 2020. 

"Called on Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji to express thanks & gratitude from core of my heart 4 his govts’ decision 2 create a memorial 4 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 said in a post on X.

Called on Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji to express thanks & gratitude from core of my heart 4 his govts’ decision 2 create a memorial 4 baba. It’s more cherished considering that we didn’t ask for it. Immensely touched by this unexpected but truly gracious gesture by PM🙏 1/2 pic.twitter.com/IRHON7r5Tk

— Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) January 7, 2025

She also shared the letter the government wrote informing of the decision to build a memorial for the ex-President. The letter, addressed to Sharmistha, was dated January 1 and sent from the Land and Development Office (L&DO) of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

The letter stated that the site will be part of the Rashtriya Smriti complex, a part of the Rajghat precinct, and will house the memorial for Pranab Mukherjee.

"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 letter read.

After receiving the letter, Sharmistha Mukherjee sought an appointment with PM Modi to thank him for the honour. 

"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 said while sharing her pictures of the meeting with the prime minister.

Mukherjee's memorial comes amid demands by the Congress for having a memorial for former prime minister Manmohan Singh, who died at AIIMS at the age of 92 on December 26.