Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed Pranab Mukherjee as a “father figure” and a mentor to him, in a letter written to him on his last day in office as President of India.
Touched by the gesture, Mr. Mukherjee shared the letter, dated July 24, on his private Twitter handle on Thursday, to which Mr. Modi replied, “Pranab da, I shall always cherish working with you.” In the letter, the Prime Minister acknowledged that though the two had different ideological orientations, they struck a rapport and worked together.
He said that “your [Pranab’s] wisdom, guidance and personal warmth have given me greater confidence and strength.”
“Pranab Da, our political journeys took shape in different political parties. Our ideologies, at times, have been different. Our experiences are also varied. My administrative experience was from my state, whereas you have seen the expanse of our national polity and politics for decades. Yet, such is the strength of your intellect and wisdom that we were able to work together with synergy,” Mr. Modi said.
He added that three years ago he had come to Delhi as an outsider. “The task before me was huge and challenging. In these times, you have always been a father figure and a mentor to me. Your wisdom, guidance and personal warmth have given me greater confidence and strength,” he said. “You have been so warm, affectionate and caring to me. Your one phone call asking me ‘I hope you are taking care of your health’ was enough to fill me with fresh energy, after a long day at meetings or on a campaign tour,” he said in the letter.
Praising the former President further, Mr. Modi said, “You belong to a generation of leaders for whom politics was simply a means to selflessly give back to society. You stand as a great source of inspiration for the people of India. India will always be proud of you, a President who was a humble public servant and an exceptional leader. Your legacy will continue to guide us.”
The former President, on his part confessed to have been touched by the letter. “On my last day in office as the President, I received a letter from PM @narendramodi that touched my heart! Sharing with you all,” he said in a tweet.
