tToday, July 6, is a special day for countless people who cherish the ideals of nationalism and selfless service. We commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, whose life remains an eternal example of courage and unwavering commitment to Maa Bharti. Few leaders in modern India embodied as deeply as Dr. Mookerjee the perfect confluence of intellect, public service and moral conviction.
The young Syama Prasad was born into circumstances that could easily have assured him a comfortable and protected life. His father, Sir Ashutosh Mookerjee, was among the most prominent educators and intellectuals of his time. However, although destiny placed before him a path of privilege, his conscience led him towards one of sacrifice and national service. He was convinced that he could not remain a mute spectator to the turbulence of his times, be it fighting colonialism, communalism, humanitarian challenges or more. Throughout this journey, he endured deep personal tragedies, including the loss of a baby and, later, his wife. However, these tragedies only deepened their resolve and strengthened their unwavering commitment to serve.
If there was one ideal that defined Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s public life above all else, it was the indivisibility of India. He stood firm during the turmoil of Partition to ensure that West Bengal remained an integral part of India. A few years later, that same conviction took him to Jammu and Kashmir. Imprisonment did not deter him and isolation did not diminish him. His life came to an abrupt end while he was detained, far from the countless people whose cause he had taken up. There are moments in history when the ultimate sacrifice of an individual transcends politics and enters the realm of national memory. Dr. Mookerjee’s last journey remains one such moment. Acharya Vinoba Bhave said that Dr. Mookerjee sacrificed himself for a cause in which he had faith. Years later, the revocation of Articles 370 and 35 (A) in 2019 was the most fitting tribute to his martyrdom.
Dr. Mookerjee put India first and Indian values first. And he did so by building institutions and fostering systems that challenged the conventional mentalities of those times. He became the youngest vice-chancellor of the University of Calcutta. In his unique style, he brought positive changes that were patriotic and futuristic. At a conference of educationists, Dr. Mookerjee put it beautifully when he said, “It is wrong to consider educational institutions as factories for producing potential employees and low-paid staff. We have to produce students who are capable of providing leadership to our autonomous institutions such as municipal corporations, provincial and central legislatures and also directing affairs in various fields of life such as financial, commercial and industrial.”
Under his leadership, the University of Calcutta undertook unique efforts such as improving library infrastructure, boosting research in science, encouraging the study of artifacts and establishing courses in agriculture, to name a few. He drew attention to areas such as sport, teacher training and student welfare. To instill a sense of pride among students and alumni, he began the practice of marking January 24 as the founding day of the University. He asked none other than Gurudev Tagore to compose a song for the University.
Alternative voice
Yet another example of this spirit can be seen in the latter part of his life, when he decided to form the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. At a time when the Congress Party was omnipresent, he felt there was all the more reason for an alternative voice to champion India’s progress while still sticking to our cultural roots. Perhaps it was appropriate that the party symbol was the diyathe clay lamp A single lamp may seem modest, but it has the power to dispel darkness far beyond itself. This is exactly what Jana Sangh did during the years it was active and after.
Dr. Mookerjee’s tenure as India’s first Minister of Industry and Supply reveals a statesman whose conception of development was remarkably comprehensive and humane. He viewed industry as a means of restoring dignity, opportunity and confidence to a newly independent nation. He respected wealth creation and value addition. While laying the foundation of modern industrial India through pioneering initiatives like the Damodar Valley Corporation, the Sindri fertilizer plant and a robust industrial policy, he at the same time ensured that India’s traditional strengths were not neglected. Handlooms, cottage industries, artisans and textile workers found in him an equally committed advocate.
Here I would like to share a personal experience. The Sindri plant, on whose establishment Dr. Mookerjee worked with a clear vision of self-reliance, was ignored by those who ruled the nation for several decades. I am honored that our government has had the opportunity to contribute to its revival. In fact, it was one of the most special moments to have been there for that show.
India’s civilizational tradition has long celebrated dialogue and discussions. Dr. Mookerjee embodied this democratic spirit. He joined Pandit Nehru’s cabinet, believing that the task of nation-building in the early years transcended political differences. He served with sincerity and a constructive spirit. But when he felt that questions of national importance demanded a different course, he resigned office with dignity and devoted himself wholeheartedly to the political work he believed the nation required.
Pandit Nehru introduced the First Amendment 75 years ago, which was a direct attack on freedom of expression. Dr. Mookerjee was one of his staunchest critics. He understood perfectly what Congress was capable of doing. And he was proven right. Those who enacted the First Amendment 75 years ago imposed Emergency in 1975 and 50 years ago enacted the 42nd Amendment Act, which again struck at the core of liberal democratic values.
Humanitarian efforts
Dr. Mookerjee was also noted for his humanitarian efforts. When the most tragic famine hit Bengal in 1943, Dr. Mookerjee dedicated himself to serving those affected. He assured that several soup kitchens and relief centers were opened to feed the people. On the one hand, he was deeply moved by the plight of his people and on the other, he was repulsed by the callousness of the colonial rulers. He even wrote a book, Panchasher Manwantarin which he expressed his anguish. When a super cyclone hit Medinipur in 1942, his efforts to restore normalcy were widely praised.
Speaking at a college in Calcutta, Dr. Mookerjee urged young people: “Whatever work you undertake, do it earnestly, thoroughly and well; never leave it half done or undone, never be satisfied unless and until you have given your best.” As India moves towards the goal of a viksit Bharat, the best tribute we can pay him is to strive every day to build the strong, united, confident and compassionate India in which he believed so deeply. And knowing the youth of today, I’m sure they will rise to the occasion and do exactly that.
The author is the Prime Minister of India.
Published – Jul 06, 2026 12:01 am IST
