The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee attended the 100th birthday celebrations of Giani Zail Singh, former President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavantoday (May 5, 2016).

Speaking on the occasion, the President paid rich tributes to Giani Zail Singh. He described him as a true ‘Giani’ (one who is full of knowledge). The President also recalled Gaini Zail Singh’s deep understanding of Indian history, culture and civilization. He said that Giani Zail Singh was a great soul and his rise is an evidence of the opportunities Indian democracy provides to every Indian citizen irrespective of the status he or she hails from. The great heights that Giani Zail Singh rose to, from a humble and poor background bears testimony to this great feature of Indian democracy. He remembered his services to the nation as a freedom fighter, Chief Minister of Punjab, Home Minister of the Union of India and President of India. He also recalled his role as a Parliamentarian.

A documentary on the life of Giani Zail Singh and a book ‘Fragrant Recollections’ (Collection of memoirs and tributes on Giani Zail Singh) were released by the Vice President and Dr. Gurdeep Kuar, daughter of Giani Zail Singh respectively and their first copies were presented to the President on the occasion.

Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were the Vice President of India, former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, family members of Giani Zail Singh and officials of the Giani Zail Singh Foundation.

This release issued at 1530 hrs