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'Guru' of parliamentary polity exits

MPs turn up in full numbers to bid adieu to President Mukherjee whose 42 years of illustrious association with parliament — 37 years as an MP and 5 years as the President — comes to an end today

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President Pranab Mukherjee presented a scroll by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on behalf of the MPs during his farewell ceremony in the Central Hall of Parliament on Sunday
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The atmosphere was solemn in the historic Central Hall of the Parliament on Sunday when President Pranab Mukherjee entered it for, perhaps, the last time in his official capacity.

On his way to the Central Hall, President Mukherjee could be seen sharing lighter moments with Prime Minister Narendra Modi illustrating the respect the two share for each other.

Almost all the parliamentarians, including BJP veteran LK Advani, and former prime minister Deve Gowda had turned up on a wet Sunday evening to bid adieu to President Mukherjee whose 42 years of illustrious association with parliament — 37 years as an MP and 5 years as the President — comes to an end on Monday.

Mukherjee was ushered in by Vice President Hamid Ansari, Speaker of the Lok Sabha Sumitra Mahajan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Ananth Kumar and the Secretary Generals of both the Houses.

Looked up across all sections by parliamentarians for his terrific career as a member of both the Houses, former finance minister, defence minister and finally as the President, Mukherjee was presented with a farewell address on behalf of all the members of the Parliament by Mahajan that described him as a 'Guru' from whom generations of parliamentarians have received lessons on the operational dynamics of parliamentary polity.

The letter that was presented to President Mukherjee in the form of a scroll by Mahajan, described his long journey beginning as a college teacher then a journalist and subsequently in national politics as always striving for excellence and selfless service.

"With your thoughtfulness and wisdom, you brought dignity and respect to the august office of the President which gained new prominence as political leaders of all hue and affiliations sought your guidance on crucial matters affecting the nation," the farewell letter said.

It credited him for "extraordinary contribution" in democratizing the Rashtrapati Bhawan through multiple programmes, innovative initiatives and opening its gates to welcome common man.

Applauding President Mukherjee's role in enhancing the stature of the highest office, Vice President Hamid Ansari recalled Mukherjee's words, "Our tradition has always celebrated the 'argumentative Indian', not the 'intolerant' Indian. Multiple views, thoughts and philosophies have competed with each other peacefully for centuries in our country."

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