Remembering Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee and his ideal of an indivisible India

Today we commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, whose life remains a timeless example of courage and unwavering commitment to Maa Bharti. Few leaders in modern India embodied the confluence of intellect, public service and moral conviction as profoundly as he did.

Young Syama Prasad was born into circumstances that could easily have assured him a protected and comfortable life. His father, Sir Ashutosh Mookerjee, was among the foremost educationists and intellectuals of his age. Yet, while destiny placed before him a path of privilege, his conscience led him towards sacrifice and national service. He was convinced that he could not remain a mute spectator to the turbulence of his times, be it colonialism, communalism or humanitarian challenges. Along the way, he endured profound personal tragedies, including the loss of an infant child and, later, his wife. Yet these only deepened his resolve and commitment to serve.

If there was one ideal that defined Mookerjee's public life, it was the indivisibility of India. He stood firm during Partition to ensure that West Bengal remained an integral part of India. A few years later, the same conviction drew him to Jammu and Kashmir. Imprisonment did not deter him and isolation did not diminish him. His life came to an abrupt end in detention, far from the people whose cause he had made his own. There are moments in history when an individual's final sacrifice transcends politics and enters the realm of national memory. Mookerjee's last journey remains one such moment. Acharya Vinoba Bhave said 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.


Mookerjee put India and Indian values first. And he did it by building institutions and nurturing systems that defied conventional mindsets 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. Addressing a conference of educators, Dr. Mookerjee put it wonderfully when he said, "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 to our self-governing institutions and also of directing the affairs in various fields."

Under his leadership, Calcutta University undertook unique efforts such as improving library infrastructure, boosting research in sciences, encouraging the study of artefacts and establishing courses in agriculture, to name a few. He requested none other than Gurudev Tagore to compose a song for the University.

Yet another example of this spirit was seen later when he decided to form the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. At a time when the Congress Party was omnipresent, he felt there was even more reason for an alternate voice to speak up for India's progress while staying attached to our cultural roots.

Mookerjee's tenure as India's first Minister for 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. While laying the foundations of modern industrial India through pioneering initiatives such as the Damodar Valley Corporation, the Sindri Fertiliser Plant and a robust industrial policy, he simultaneously ensured that India's traditional strengths were not neglected. Here, I would like to share a personal experience. The Sindri plant 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.

India's civilisational tradition has long celebrated dialogue. Mookerjee embodied this democratic spirit. He joined Pandit Nehru's Cabinet, believing that nation-building in the early years should transcend political differences. He served with sincerity and a constructive spirit. But when he felt that questions of national importance demanded a different course, he relinquished office with dignity.

75 years ago, Pandit Nehru brought the First Amendment, which was a direct assault on free speech. Mookerjee was among its staunchest critics. Those who brought the First Amendment 75 years ago imposed the Emergency in 1975 and 50 years ago, brought in the 42nd Amendment Act, which again struck at the core of liberal democratic values.

Mookerjee also stood out for his humanitarian efforts. When the most tragic famine struck Bengal in 1943, Mookerjee immersed himself in serving those affected. Speaking at a college in Kolkata, he urged the youth, "Whatever work you undertake, do it seriously, thoroughly and well; never leave it half-done or undone, never feel yourself satisfied unless and until you have given it your very best."

As India advances towards Viksit Bharat, the finest tribute we can pay him is to strive to build the strong, united, self-confident and compassionate And knowing today's youth, I am certain they will rise to the occasion and do exactly that.

(The author is Prime Minister of India)