What Plans Does the Culture Ministry Have for the 125th Birth Anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee?

New Delhi, July 10 (NationPress) The Union Ministry of Culture has initiated a two-year long official celebration to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, recognizing the profound impact of the visionary who established the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, a precursor to the current BJP, as stated by an official on Thursday.

During a briefing about the anniversary celebrations that commenced on July 6, Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat remarked, “Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our government is diligently working to fulfill the vision that Dr Mookerjee envisioned for a self-sufficient, unified, and prosperous India.”

“Post-Independence, the blueprint for building a developed India — to actualize that vision, the present Modi administration is persistently advancing on the path set by him,” Shekhawat expressed at an event on Wednesday.

The Minister added, “His spirit must be at peace knowing that today, Tiranga Yatras are conducted boldly at Lal Chowk in Kashmir.”

Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal spoke on the lasting significance of Dr Mookerjee’s principles in contemporary India.

“He was a remarkable patriot, an insightful educationist, and a person deeply dedicated to maintaining India’s unity and integrity,” he stated.

Aggarwal also highlighted the nationwide scale and essence of the commemoration organized by the Ministry of Culture. “This celebration is not confined to Delhi. It will be observed in every state and union territory across the nation and will persist for the next two years as a continuous homage to a leader whose life motivates every generation of Indians,” he noted.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, who represents the Udhampur constituency in Jammu and Kashmir, reflected on Dr Mookerjee’s diverse legacy as a scholar, scientist, and statesman.

“He was among the most distinguished scholars, academicians, and intellectuals of the pre-Independence era. Even the British must have recognized his exceptional talent and brilliance. However, what truly distinguished him was the breadth of his character,” he remarked.

Anirban Ganguly, Chairman of the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation, provided a comprehensive overview of Dr Mookerjee’s life, legacy, and eternal significance.

Tracing his journey from early academic excellence to his lasting influence on national politics, Ganguly emphasized Dr Mookerjee’s dedication to national unity and constitutional integrity.

He recalled how Dr Mookerjee firmly opposed Article 370, famously stating: “Ek desh mein do Vidhan, do Pradhan, aur do Nishan nahi chalenge.”

Ganguly added, “He became a Vice Chancellor at the age of 33 — a record that still stands. He joined the Union Cabinet at 45, founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh at 50, and lost his life at 52.”

He also remarked, “In many respects, Dr Mookerjee epitomized youth; he symbolized the aspirations of young India and laid the groundwork for a confident, self-reliant nation.”