Prime Minister Narendra Modi today joined a special programme marking the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee through a video message, paying glowing tribute to the iconic leader whose life was dedicated to India’s unity and integrity.
Explaining his physical absence due to a prior travel commitment, the Prime Minister highlighted how technology helped bridge distances: “With the help of technology, I am joining you in this historic programme.”
Leading the nation in homage, PM Modi described Dr. Mookerjee as “a great son of India whose unwavering commitment to national unity continues to inspire generations.” He noted that the visionary’s ideas, planted decades ago, are now visibly shaping modern India.“When there is a government with the resolution of Nation First, then national heroes also get due respect,” the Prime Minister said, pointing to the two-year-long national celebrations that began last July. He specially praised the recent grand organisation of Paschim Banga Divas by the West Bengal government as a vibrant celebration of regional pride and heritage.
Recalling the turbulent days of 1947, PM Modi lauded Dr. Mookerjee’s resolute stand that prevented Bengal from being torn away from India. Quoting the leader, he said, “The foundation of a golden future can be laid only on the ground of national unity.”
The Prime Minister strongly recalled Dr. Mookerjee’s fierce opposition to any idea of “two constitutions, two prime ministers, and two flags” in the country. He expressed pride that the present government had fulfilled this dream by abrogating Article 370, thereby ensuring the Constitution of India is implemented uniformly across the nation with “full pride and glory.”
Highlighting Dr. Mookerjee’s role as the youngest Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University, PM Modi emphasised his deep understanding that “the essence of nation-building is in the building of institutions.” As India’s first Industry Minister, Dr. Mookerjee laid the foundation of landmark institutions — Chittaranjan Locomotive Works, Sindri Fertilizer Plant, Damodar Valley Corporation, and IFCI — that became pillars of India’s economic strength for decades.“For him, all these were the meditative centres of nation-building,” the Prime Minister observed.
On the education front, PM Modi credited the New Education Policy with fulfilling Dr. Mookerjee’s vision of connecting education to the Indian soul through mother-tongue instruction. “The dream that Dr. Mookerjee saw regarding local languages, our government has fulfilled it,” he stated.
Addressing the youth directly, the Prime Minister urged them to carry forward the same spirit of dedication and seriousness: “We have to collectively fulfil the resolution of a Developed India… Whatever work you start, do it with full seriousness and do not leave it incomplete.”
The address concluded with the Prime Minister bowing in tribute to Dr. Mookerjee and extending best wishes to all participants.
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