Giani Zail Singh was a true ‘giani’: Pranab Mukherjee

New Delhi, May 5 : President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday recalled Giani Zail Singh’s deep understanding of Indian history, culture and civilization and described him as a true ‘giani’ (one who is full of knowledge).President Mukherjee, who attended the 100th birthday celebrations of Giani Zail Singh at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here, paid rich tributes to the former president of India.Speaking on the occasion, President Mukherjee 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 said.President Mukherjee remembered his services to the nation as a freedom fighter, Chief Minister of Punjab, Home Minister 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 Vice President Mohammed Hmid Ansari and Dr. Gurdeep Kuar, the daughter of Giani Zail Singh respectively.