Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and several Union Ministers on Monday paid tributes to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary, remembering his contributions as an educationist, statesman, political leader and champion of national unity.
PM Modi also penned an op-ed on Mookerjee’s life, highlighting his contributions as Vice-Chancellor, Union Minister and political leader. The Prime Minister emphasised Mookerjee’s role in strengthening India’s unity and said the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A) in 2019 remained a fitting tribute to his lifelong efforts.
V-P Radhakrishnan paid floral tributes to Mookerjee at the Vice President’s House and described him as a visionary nation-builder whose contributions left a lasting impact on India’s educational, political and democratic journey.
In a post on X, the Vice President highlighted Mookerjee’s distinguished public life, noting that he served as one of the youngest Vice-Chancellors of the University of Calcutta, a member of the Constituent Assembly, President of the Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha, Independent India’s first Minister for Industry and Supply, and the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
He said Mookerjee remained a steadfast advocate of national unity and integrity and made the supreme sacrifice in Jammu and Kashmir while striving for its complete integration with India. He added that Dr. Mookerjee’s life and ideals continue to inspire the country’s collective efforts toward building a strong, united, self-reliant and developed India.
Sharing a video on X, the Vice President said Mookerjee sacrificed his life for the unity of the nation and that such sacrifices would never go unheeded. He added that Mookerjee had envisioned an India where every citizen would be equal under a single constitutional framework and described the abrogation of Article 370 as a tribute to his lifelong commitment to national integration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid homage to Mookerjee, describing him as one of India’s most remarkable nation-builders whose life was defined by scholarship, courage and unwavering dedication to national service.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said Mookerjee devoted himself to the cause of India’s unity, dignity and progress. He praised his contributions across diverse fields, calling him an outstanding thinker and educationist who promoted innovation and futuristic learning. He also noted Mookerjee’s role as the country’s first Industries Minister, saying he laid the foundations of industrial self-reliance while ensuring the growth of traditional sectors and livelihoods.
The Prime Minister further highlighted Mookerjee’s humanitarian efforts during the Bengal Famine, describing them as a reflection of his deep compassion for people in distress. He said Mookerjee’s steadfast commitment to India’s unity and integrity continues to serve as an enduring source of inspiration and added that his vision would continue to guide the country’s journey towards Viksit Bharat.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also paid tribute to Mookerjee, describing him as a renowned educationist, visionary thinker and staunch nationalist leader whose life exemplified unwavering dedication to national service and national unity.
In a post on X, LS Speaker Birla said Mookerjee made remarkable contributions to higher education and consistently demonstrated his commitment to national interests and democratic values throughout his public life. He said Mookerjee strengthened the vision of a strong, harmonious and self-reliant India through both his thoughts and actions, adding that his dedication to the unity, integrity and welfare of the nation continues to inspire every Indian.
In another post, Birla said floral tributes were paid to Mookerjee in the Central Hall of the Constitution House on the occasion of his 125th birth anniversary. He described Mookerjee as a great educationist, brilliant nationalist thinker and former Union Minister whose life represented the ideals of “Nation First”, exceptional intellectual ability and selfless service to the country.
The Lok Sabha Speaker said Mookerjee left a lasting imprint on every sphere of national policymaking and devoted his entire life to India’s progress and national interests. He noted that Mookerjee always placed the highest priority on the country’s unity, integrity and democratic values, reflecting a deep commitment to national pride, cultural consciousness and public welfare.
LS Speaker Birla said Mookerjee’s life continues to inspire people to place the nation’s interests above all else and dedicate themselves to selfless public service.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah remembered Mookerjee as a strong advocate of national unity, integrity and cultural nationalism.
In a post on X, HM Shah said Mookerjee made the principle of “Nation First” the guiding force of his life. He recalled Mookerjee’s leadership during the partition of Bengal and his lifelong struggle to ensure that Jammu and Kashmir remained an integral part of India. The Home Minister said his unwavering commitment to national integrity and principled public life would continue to inspire future generations.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also remembered Mookerjee as a visionary statesman, distinguished scholar and committed nation-builder.
In a post on X, Singh said Mookerjee devoted his life to preserving the unity of the nation, strengthening democratic institutions and advancing national integration. He said Mookerjee’s ideals of fearless leadership, unwavering patriotism and selfless public service continue to inspire generations and expressed hope that his enduring legacy would guide the country’s efforts to build a strong, united, self-reliant and developed India.
