Former President Pranab Mukherjee, who passed away on Monday, was cremated with full military honours on Tuesday. The last rites were performed by his son, Abhijit Mukherjee, at the Lodhi crematorium on Tuesday.
Earlier, Mr. Mukherjee’s mortal remains were placed at his residence in 10 Rajaji Marg to enable dignitaries and general public to pay their last respects. President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid their last respects.
“Paid tributes to respected Shri Pranab Mukherjee. He would be remembered by generations for his efforts towards India's progress,” Mr. Modi said on Twitter later.
Due to the requirement of following social distancing norms and other COIVD-19 related protocols, the mortal remains were carried in a hearse van instead of the normal gun carriage. All guidelines with regard to COVID-19 related preventive measures were in place.
Mr. Mukherjee, 84, passed away at the Army’s Research & Referral hospital where he was undergoing treatment since he an emergency surgery for a brain clot. He had also tested positive for COVID-19. He developed lung infection
The Central government and several States have announced seven-day state mourning for the former President. The National Flag would fly at half-mast on all buildings throughout the country, where it was flown regularly and there would be no official entertainment, the Home Ministry said.
