Pranab Mukherjee an outstanding statesman: Prime Minister

New Delhi: Pranab Mukherjee left a strong imprint on the nation's growth trajectory with his selfless work, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Friday expressing delight at the former president being awarded the Bharat Ratna.

Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader late Nanaji Deshmukh, singer Bhupen Hazarika and former president Mukherjee were on Friday conferred the country's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna.

Deshmukh and Hazarika were conferred the award posthumously. Mukherjee was president between 2012 and 2017.


"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," the PM wrote on Twitter.

The PM said the songs and music of Hazarika are admired by people across generations.

"From them radiates the message of justice, harmony and brotherhood. He popularised India's musical traditions globally. Happy that the Bharat Ratna has been conferred on Bhupen da," the PM twitted.

Modi said, Deshmukh's stellar contribution towards rural development showed the way for a new paradigm of empowering those living in villages.

"He personifies humility, compassion and service to the downtrodden. He is a Bharat Ratna in the truest sense!," the PM said.