President Pranab Mukherjee turns 77

, Dec 11: President of India

turned 77 on Tuesday. Mukherjee, who became the President in July by defeating P A Sangma, celebrated the day with differently-abled children at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The celebrations included dances, songs, brail reading and singing of national anthem by the children in sign language.

Mukherjee was born in 1935 to a Bengali Brahmin family at Mirati village in Birbhum in West Bengal. He studied at the Suri Vidyasagar College at Suri in Birbhum district. He has double Master's degrees in Political Science and History and also a degree in law from the University of Calcutta.

Mukherjee served as a senior leader of the Indian National Congress during a career spanning over six decades. He served as ministers in various important ministries before becoming the President. Prior to this, he was the Union Finance Minister since 2009.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj visited the President at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday to wish him on his birthday.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh presents a bouquet to President Pranab Mukherjee as he greets him on his 78th birthday at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi greets President Pranab Mukherjee on his 78th birthday at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

President Pranab Mukherjee cuts a cake as he celebrates his 78th birthday with challenged children at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj greets President Pranab Mukherjee on his 78th birthday at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

President Pranab Mukherjee with wife Shubhra Mukherjee at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Challenged children perform a dance during President Pranab Mukherjee's 78th birthday celebration at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

President Pranab Mukherjee with Speaker of Lok Sabha, Meira Kumar, who met him to greet on his 78th birthday at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

President Pranab Mukherjee receives a gift from a challenged boy at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Kumari Selja is also seen.

OneIndia News