Syama Prasad Mookerjee – PM Modi Marks 125th Birth Anniversary
Syama Prasad Mookerjee – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute to Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary, describing him as a prominent figure whose ideas and public work continue to influence India’s development journey.
In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister remembered Dr Mookerjee for his scholarship, courage and commitment to national service. Modi said Mookerjee dedicated his life to India’s unity, dignity and progress, and his vision remains relevant as the country works towards the goal of Viksit Bharat.
Prime Minister Highlights Mookerjee’s Public Contributions
The Prime Minister noted that Dr Mookerjee made contributions across education, industry, public policy and humanitarian work. He described the Jana Sangh founder as a forward-looking educationist who supported innovation and modern learning systems.
Modi also referred to Dr Mookerjee’s tenure as India’s first Industries Minister. According to the Prime Minister, Mookerjee helped strengthen the foundation for industrial self-reliance while also recognising the importance of traditional sectors and the livelihoods connected to them.
The Prime Minister further recalled Mookerjee’s relief efforts during the Bengal Famine, saying his work reflected concern for people facing hardship. Modi said Dr Mookerjee’s commitment to India’s unity and territorial integrity remains an important source of inspiration.
BJP Leaders Hold Commemorative Programmes
Bharatiya Janata Party leaders in Delhi organised a commemorative programme and offered floral tributes to Dr Mookerjee’s portrait. Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra, along with other senior party leaders, attended the event.
Similar programmes were held in other states. In Jaipur, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma paid floral tributes to Dr Mookerjee at the Chief Minister’s Residence.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini had also paid tribute at Ekta Sthal in Madhopur a day before the birth anniversary. Speaking at a programme, Saini referred to Dr Mookerjee’s views on national integration and Jammu and Kashmir.
Saini said Dr Mookerjee believed that India should have one leadership structure, one legislature and one Constitution. He said the Jana Sangh founder placed national interest above political office and personal position.
Founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh
Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh on October 21, 1951. The organisation is regarded as the ideological predecessor of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Born on July 6, 1901, in Calcutta, Dr Mookerjee was known as an educationist, parliamentarian, statesman and humanitarian. He came from a family with a strong academic and public service background. His father, Sir Ashutosh Mookerjee, served as Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University and was also a judge of the Calcutta High Court.
Dr Mookerjee became the acting president of the Hindu Mahasabha in 1940 and supported complete independence for India. He later served as Minister for Industry and Supply in Jawaharlal Nehru’s Interim Government before resigning from the post.
He later established the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and emerged as a major political voice on issues related to national unity. Dr Mookerjee died in Kashmir in 1953. The BJP observes June 23 each year as Balidan Diwas in his memory.