In a testimony to the harmonious relationship that Pranab Mukherjee and Narendra Modi shared during three years of working together, the Prime Minister, in a farewell letter to the former President, termed him a “father figure and a mentor” whose wisdom and guidance gave him “greater confidence and strength.” Mukherjee said the letter which he received on his last day in office touched his heart. The letter was today shared by the former president on Twitter today. "On my last day in office as the President, I received a letter from PM @narendramodi that touched my heart! Sharing with you all," Mukherjee said in a tweet.
The letter spells out the bond between the two leaders who come from different political ideologies.
“Three years ago, I came to New Delhi as an outsider. The task before me was huge and challenging. In these times, you have always been a father figure and a mentor to me. Your wisdom, guidance and personal warmth have given me greater confidence and strength,” read the letter.
“You have been so warm, affectionate and caring to me. Your one phone call asking me ‘I hope you are taking care of your health’ was enough to fill me with fresh energy, after a long day of meetings or on a campaign tour,” wrote the PM.
PM Modi also wrote that despite being shaped by different political ideologies, the two of them “were able to work together with synergy”. He talked of Mukherjee's "intellectual prowess" and his deep "insights on various subjects" helping the government and him personally.
He also said that for Pranab Mukherjee “politics was simple a means to selflessly give back to society" by placing the "well being of the nation over everything else.”
Thanking Mukherjee for his support, encouragement, guidance and inspiration, PM Modi said his legacy would continue to guide India.
As soon as Mukherjee, touched with the PM’s letter, shared it on Twitter, PM Modi tweeted: “Pranab Da, I will always cherish working with you”.