A Legacy Remembered: Prime Minister Leads Tributes to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on His 125th Birth Anniversary

Image Source : ETV Bharat

On July 6, 2025, India paid homage to one of its most influential nationalist leaders, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, on the occasion of his 125th birth anniversary. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in remembering the multifaceted legacy of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder, hailing his contributions to national unity, education, and industrial development.

Tributes from the Prime Minister and National Leaders

- Prime Minister Modi described Dr. Mookerjee as an immortal son of the nation who sacrificed his life for India's honour and unity
- In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister emphasized that Mookerjee’s ideals remain foundational to building a developed and self-reliant India
- A commemorative video was also released, highlighting Mookerjee’s vision for national integration and economic independence

Commemorative Events Across the Country

- Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Ministers JP Nadda and Ashwini Vaishnaw, and several Members of Parliament paid floral tributes at Samvidhan Sadan
- In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recalled Mookerjee’s humanitarian work during the Bengal famine and his principled resignation from Nehru’s cabinet over Kashmir’s special status
- Delhi BJP leaders, including party president Virendra Sachdeva and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, also participated in tribute ceremonies

Mookerjee’s Enduring Legacy

- Born on July 6, 1901, in Calcutta, Dr. Mookerjee became the youngest Vice Chancellor of Calcutta University at age 33
- He served as India’s first Minister for Industry and Supply, laying the groundwork for key public sector undertakings like Hindustan Aircraft Factory and Sindri Fertiliser Corporation
- A staunch advocate for national unity, he resigned from the Nehru cabinet in 1950 over the Delhi Pact and later founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951
- His opposition to Article 370 and dual constitutional status for Jammu and Kashmir led to his arrest in 1953, where he died in detention under controversial circumstances

Reflections on His Vision

- Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that Mookerjee’s struggle culminated in 2019 with the abrogation of Article 370, fulfilling his vision of a unified India
- Vaishnaw also highlighted Mookerjee’s advocacy for Indian languages, now reflected in the New Education Policy
- A commemorative booklet detailing Mookerjee’s life and contributions was distributed at the Parliament event

Sources: Press Information Bureau, Financial Express, AP7AM, WebIndia123, MSN India, ThePrint, ANI, NarendraModi.in, Times Now, Firstpost, India Today, The Economic Times