NEW DELHI : Marking the 125th birth anniversary of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on July 6, Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned a heartfelt op-ed, describing him as a timeless example of courage, nationalism, and selfless service.
In the detailed piece, PM Modi highlighted Dr. Mookerjee’s seamless confluence of intellect, public service, and moral conviction, emphasizing his role as an outstanding nation-builder whose vision continues to guide India’s modern trajectory.
The Indivisibility of India
Central to PM Modi’s tribute was Dr. Mookerjee’s staunch defense of India’s territorial integrity and his ultimate sacrifice for national unity.
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Partition and West Bengal: The Prime Minister noted that Dr. Mookerjee “stood firm during the upheaval of Partition to ensure that West Bengal remained an integral part of India.”
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Jammu and Kashmir: Drawing a direct line from Dr. Mookerjee’s ideological struggle to recent political milestones, PM Modi asserted that the revocation of Articles 370 and 35(A) in 2019 served as “the most fitting tribute to his martyrdom.”
A Visionary in Education and Industry
The Prime Minister deeply analyzed Dr. Mookerjee’s progressive impact on independent India’s institutional and economic frameworks:
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Education Reformer: As the youngest Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta, Dr. Mookerjee revolutionized the academic system. PM Modi quoted his forward-thinking vision: “It is incorrect to look upon educational institutions as factories to produce potential clerks and low-paid staff. We have to turn out students who are capable of providing leadership…” Under his leadership, the university boosted scientific research, established agricultural courses, and focused on student welfare.
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Architect of Industrial Self-Reliance: Serving as India’s first Minister for Industry and Supply, Dr. Mookerjee laid the foundations of modern industrial India through pioneering projects like the Damodar Valley Corporation and the Sindri Fertiliser Plant, while simultaneously championing traditional handlooms and cottage industries.
Sharing a personal reflection on the Sindri plant, PM Modi wrote:
“The Sindri plant, which Dr. Mookerjee worked to establish with a clear vision of self-reliance, was ignored by those who ran the nation for several decades. I feel honoured that our Government had the opportunity to contribute to its revival.”
A Champion of Democratic Values and Humanitarianism
Reflecting on Dr. Mookerjee’s democratic spirit, the Prime Minister highlighted his principled opposition to the First Amendment, which curtailed free speech. PM Modi drew a parallel between past and recent political history, stating, “He understood fully what the Congress was capable of doing… Those who brought the First Amendment 75 years ago imposed the Emergency in 1975.”
Furthermore, Dr. Mookerjee’s humanitarian efforts were extensively praised, particularly his tireless work opening canteens and relief centers during the devastating Bengal Famine of 1943 and his highly lauded efforts to restore normalcy following the Medinipur super cyclone of 1942.
Inspiring a ‘Viksit Bharat’
The Prime Minister concluded the op-ed with a direct appeal to the nation’s youth, urging them to carry forward the legacy of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder.
“As India advances towards the goal of a Viksit Bharat, the finest tribute we can pay him is to strive every day to build the strong, united, self-confident and compassionate India that he so deeply believed in,” PM Modi stated, expressing absolute confidence that today’s youth will rise to the occasion.
