Sharmistha Mukherjee Reminisces About Her Father’s Bond with PM Modi: A Rare Camaraderie Beyond Politics
Sharmistha Mukherjee, daughter of former President Pranab Mukherjee, recently reflected on the exceptional and unique relationship between her father and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing it as “a rare example of camaraderie that transcended political boundaries.” The bond between the two leaders, she noted, went beyond the political sphere, marked by mutual respect and shared values.
When Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, Pranab Mukherjee was serving as the President of India. Sharmistha recalled the moment when Modi, upon assuming office, sought her father’s blessings by touching his feet and asking for his guidance. In response, Pranab Mukherjee, acknowledging their ideological differences, told Modi, “We belong to two different ideologies, but the people have given you a mandate. I will not interfere with governance — that is your job. But I will be there if you need help in any constitutional matter.”
Modi, in turn, appreciated this gesture, remarking to Sharmistha, “For Dada to say this was a big thing. From the beginning, there was openness and honesty between us.”
Pranab Mukherjee’s personal diaries also shed light on the depth of the relationship. He recalled that even when Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, he greeted him with respect, touching his feet despite being a vocal critic of the Congress party. Mukherjee noted in his diaries, “I don’t know why, but he has a strange soft corner for me.”
Sharmistha emphasized that their relationship extended beyond political discourse, with both leaders sharing an admiration for spirituality, particularly the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa. She recalled PM Modi’s emotional speech at her father’s farewell ceremony as President in 2017, where Modi described Mukherjee as “a father figure” and “a mentor who inspired me to work harder for the nation.”
The high regard Pranab Mukherjee had for PM Modi’s political acumen was evident. He once stated, “After Indira Gandhi, Narendra Modi is one of the rare Prime Ministers who not only understands the pulse of the people but also possesses immense political strength.”
In his memoir, The Presidential Years: 2012–2017, Mukherjee praised Modi’s decisiveness and work ethic, even though they occasionally disagreed on policy matters. He acknowledged PM Modi’s governance reforms and his ability to connect with the masses, though he initially had concerns about how the Prime Minister, with no prior experience in national politics, would navigate India’s foreign policy challenges.
Sharmistha fondly recalled that PM Modi continued to offer support even after her father retired as President. When Pranab Mukherjee felt uneasy post-retirement, Modi reached out personally, advising him not to be disheartened. “Dada, please don’t be depressed. Your words of wisdom have great value for the nation. You should speak your mind at seminars and public events,” Modi encouraged him.
In 2019, when Mukherjee was awarded the Bharat Ratna, PM Modi personally informed him before the news was made public, sharing in his joy and pride. Sharmistha recalled the genuine happiness Modi expressed during the award ceremony.
In a heartfelt farewell letter to Mukherjee, PM Modi referred to him as a “father figure” and thanked him for his guidance. Mukherjee later shared this letter on social media, underscoring the deep respect and affection between the two leaders.
The bond between Pranab Mukherjee and Narendra Modi serves as a testament to the power of mutual respect, bridging political and ideological divides in the service of the nation.
