PM Narendra Modi greets President Pranab Mukherjee on his 79th birthday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended his best wishes to President Pranab Mukherjee on the occasion of the latter's 79th birthday.

"Warmest birthday greetings to our dear Rashtrapati ji, Shri Pranab Mukherjee. May he remain in the best of health and lead a long life," tweeted PM Modi.

"It takes just one interaction with Pranab Da to marvel at his intellect, sharp mind, deep knowledge and insight on a wide range of issues," he added.

"Pranab Da has given his life to India. Few people can match his political experience and stature. We are honoured to have a President like him," he said in a series of tweets.

President Pranab Mukherjee assumed office on July 25, 2012, as the 13th President of the country.

Warmest birthday greetings to our dear Rashtrapati ji, Shri Pranab Mukherjee.May he remain in the best of health & lead a long life.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 11, 2014

It takes just one interaction with Pranab Da to marvel at his intellect, sharp mind, deep knowledge & insight on a wide range of issues.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 11, 2014

Pranab Da has given his life to India. Few people can match his political experience & stature. We are honoured to have a President like him

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 11, 2014

He has the distinction of having served at different times as Foreign, Defence, Commerce and Finance Minister. He was elected to the Upper House of the Parliament (Rajya Sabha) five times from 1969 and twice to the Lower House of the Parliament (Lok Sabha) from 2004.

He was also a member of the Congress Working Committee, the highest policy making body of the Party for a period of 23 years.