Former president Pranab Mukherjee passed away today at the Army Research and Referral Hospital in New Delhi. He was 84 years old. According to the hospital, he suffered a septic shock due to his lung infection. He was critical and on ventilator support after he underwent brain surgery on August 10.

Mukherjee was also found to be Covid-19 positive. "With a Heavy Heart, this is to inform you that my father Shri #PranabMukherjee has just passed away inspite of the best efforts of Doctors of RR Hospital &; prayers ,duas &; prarthanas from people throughout India ! I thank all of You," Abhijit Mukherjee, former president son tweeted. "Sad to hear that former President Shri Pranab Mukherjee is no more. His demise is passing of an era. A colossus in public life, he served Mother India with the spirit of a sage.

The nation mourns losing one of its worthiest sons. "Condolences to his family, friends & all citizens. Endowed with perspicacity and wisdom, Bharat Ratna Shri Mukherjee combined tradition and modernity. "In his 5 decade long illustrious public life, he remained rooted to the ground irrespective of the exalted offices he held. He endeared himself to people across political spectrum.

"As the First Citizen, he continued to connect with everyone, bringing Rashtrapati Bhavan closer to the people. He opened its gates for public visit. His decision to discontinue the use of the honorific 'His Excellency' was historic," President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted. The stalwart Congress leader was also conferred with Bharat Ratna last year.