Sharmistha Mukherjee and Arihant Pawariya discuss the important aspects of the book ‘Pranab, My Father’, in which the former weaves together personal anecdotes and political events of Pranab Mukherjee’s life. The author chronicles his extensive political career, exploring his ties to the Indian National Congress and his adeptness at finding consensus on important matters. They discuss the early days of Pranab Mukherjee in public office and his being mentored by Mrs. Indira Gandhi, his relationship with PV Narasimha Rao, Narendra Modi and other personalities in Indian politics. Sharmistha’s adept handling of sensitive subjects, such as Pranab’s opinions on Rahul Gandhi, offers a well-rounded perspective on the challenges and criticisms he faced. Her honest portrayal of her father’s multifaceted personality captivates the listeners.

About the Speakers:
Sharmistha Mukherjee is a classical dancer, choreographer and a politician. She has more than 30 years of performing experience having showcased her art in over 40 countries. In 2014, she joined politics and became a National Spokesperson of the Congress party. Mukherjee quit active politics in 2021. She currently runs the Pranab Mukherjee Legacy Foundation.

Arihant Pawariya is the Senior Editor at Swarajya Magazine which delves into the realms of politics, policy, religion and imbalances within laws. He is also the host of Vaad, a popular podcast and talk show. He is a strong advocate of establishing a Hindu State in India based on liberty, diversity and, above all, protection of Dharma. He holds a degree in computer science from VIT University but shifted away from coding to pursue his passions full-time, joining Swarajya Magazine. He closely examines education policy in India and critiques government initiatives related to agriculture, governance, and infrastructure, enriching the public discourse and offering valuable insights into complex societal issues.