Camaraderie Beyond Politics: Sharmistha Mukherjee Reflects on the Bond Between PM Modi and Her Father

New Delhi, Dec 11 (NationPress) Sharmistha Mukherjee, the daughter of former President Pranab Mukherjee, reflected on the extraordinary bond her father shared with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it an exceptional example of camaraderie that surpassed political differences.

When Modi took office in 2014, Pranab Mukherjee was the sitting President of India. Sharmistha recounted the moment when Modi sought her father's blessings by touching his feet and asking for his guidance.

Mukherjee's response was, “We belong to two different ideologies, but you have received a mandate from the people. I will not interfere in governance — that is your responsibility. However, I am here if you need assistance in any constitutional matters.”

Modi valued this gesture deeply, once telling Sharmistha, “For Dada to say this was significant. From the start, there was transparency and sincerity in our relationship.”

The unique bond was also evident in Mukherjee's diary entries, where he noted that Modi would greet him by touching his feet even during his time as Chief Minister of Gujarat, despite being critical of the Congress party. Mukherjee mentioned, “I am unsure why, but he seems to have a peculiar fondness for me.”

Sharmistha emphasized that the connection between the two leaders went beyond mere governance; they shared common values in spirituality, especially their mutual respect for Swami Vivekananda and Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa.

During Mukherjee's farewell ceremony in 2017, she recalled PM Modi delivering an emotional address, referring to him as “a father figure” and “a mentor who encouraged me to strive harder for the country.”

According to Sharmistha, her father held PM Modi's political insight in high esteem, observing that “after Indira Gandhi, Narendra Modi is among the few Prime Ministers who not only understands the people's pulse but also possesses remarkable political strength.”

In his memoir, 'The Presidential Years: 2012–2017', Mukherjee acknowledged the Prime Minister's decisiveness and work ethic, even while recognizing their occasional policy disagreements. He appreciated Modi's governance reforms and ability to connect with the populace, despite his initial concerns regarding Modi's experience in national politics.

Sharmistha reminisced about PM Modi's support for her father even after his presidency ended. When Mukherjee felt disheartened in retirement, Modi personally reached out, saying, “Dada, please don’t feel low. Your insights are invaluable to the nation. You should express your thoughts at seminars and public gatherings.”

When Mukherjee was honored with the Bharat Ratna in 2019, PM Modi informed him personally before the news was made public. Sharmistha fondly remembered the Prime Minister's genuine pride and joy during the ceremony.

In his farewell letter to Mukherjee, PM Modi referred to him as a “father figure” and expressed gratitude for his guidance, a letter Mukherjee later shared on social media.

The relationship between these leaders serves as a testament to mutual respect and a shared dedication to the nation, bridging political and ideological divides.