Pranab Mukherjee
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A profile
From the archives of India Today , June 5, 2009
There are no quickfix solutions to an economic slowdown. Yet this veteran political warhorse is today expected to do just that—apply the healing gel to the deep ruptures left by a global financial tsunami. And that too with the “cool-headed” calculations he uses to troubleshoot for the Congress or answer questions from eager scribes, never giving away more than intended.
Style statement : Loves music, especially Bengali folk.
Priorities:
• A bold reform stimulus which would rev up growth dynamics and propel the country towards the 9 per cent plus growth path.
• Step up investment in infrastructure.
• Stimulate demand by reducing personal income tax rates, tweak customs duty structure to accelerate exports.
• Tackle the fiscal deficit by shoring up government revenues and cutting down on borrowings.
Mukherjee boasts of a unique combination of political sensibility and allegiance to free market economics. He has the ability to balance the political need for pro-growth populism with the economic imperative of prudence.
Given his vast experience and his understanding of the complex economic landscape, almost everyone expects him to deliver a dream budget in July and spur growth.
Suvra Mukherjee 1940-2015
The Times of India, Aug 19 2015
Mohua Chatterjee
President's pillar of strength, she had faith in his mettle
Woman who inspired his 1st rebellion
Every night, no matter how busy he was or how late his day ended, when he got home, Pranab Mukherjee spent time with his ailing wife. This was the routine for the last six to seven years that she was unwell. There was a wooden chair next to her bed, where Mukherjee sat, spoke to her, comforted and soothed her. This he did, even if he had more files to clear later.This was the moment Suvra Mukherjee waited for every day , her time with her husband of long years.
With no political aspira tion, Suvra had a charm and warmth that drew people to her. Her social skills won her many friends, which included a special relationship with Indira Gandhi. Even when she was PM, Indira would drop in for a fish-and-rice meal cooked by Suvra.
In her book on her relationship with Indira, Suvra mentions how the tallest Congress leader of her times would call her up to “convey things to her husband“.
Suvra, a Rabindrasangeet exponent and painter who wrote two books, knew where her strength lay .While channelizing her en thusiasm for cultural activities and starting the Gitanjali Troupe which travelled the country and abroad performing Tagore's dance dramas, she was the anchor of Mukherjee's family . She remained focused on bringing up their children -Abhijit, Indrajit and Sharmistha -and ensured that her husband's career never suffered because of pressing family matters. A constant source of encouragement, she was convinced he'd reach a high point. She passed on her cultural talent to her daughter, an accomplished Kathak dancer who has now joined the Congress.
Many found shelter in the Mukherjee home ever since the family moved to Delhi in 1969, invariably at the behest of the lady of the house.
Even as First Lady she often visited friends in CR Park. Her last years, mostly confined to her bed, were spent watching TV . She loved Uttam Kumar-Suchitra Sen films.
They married on July 13, 1957. Suvra's family came from Jessore, now in Bangladesh, and migrated to Kolkata when she was 10. They settled down in Howrah. Pranab met her when she was still a student of Howrah Girls' College. Attractive Suvra Ghosh was behind Pranab's first re bellion. He went against the wishes of his orthodox Brahmin family and married the girl from a different caste.
As the President of India
Workaholic Prez Gifts People Museum, Library, Heritage|Jul 24 2017 : The Times of India (Delhi)
From the word go, President Pranab Mukherjee got down to making his presidency matter -part of his rich legacy is documenting Rashtrapati Bhavan and restoring several of its parts that were in disrepair. A look at the lasting changes he leaves behind in the presidential Estate.
From The Times of India
