New Delhi, July 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the revocation of Article 370 and Article 35A in 2019 was the “most fitting tribute” to Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, whose 125th birth anniversary was observed across the country.
In a signed article published in newspapers on the occasion, the Prime Minister described Mookerjee as a visionary leader whose life symbolised courage, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to national unity.
“July 6 is a special day for countless people who cherish the ideals of nationalism and selfless service. 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,” Modi wrote.
Recalling Mookerjee’s role in advocating the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India, the Prime Minister said his death in detention in Srinagar in 1953 became a defining moment in the nation’s history.
“Years later, the revocation of Articles 370 and 35(A) in 2019 was the most fitting tribute to his martyrdom,” Modi said.
Dr. Mookerjee, founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh—the predecessor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—had launched a movement against Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status and had called for its complete integration with the Union of India.
Highlighting Mookerjee’s contribution to education, Modi noted that he became the youngest Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta and introduced several reforms aimed at promoting patriotism, leadership, and academic excellence. He also encouraged greater emphasis on sports, teacher training, student welfare, and Indian cultural values within the education system.
The Prime Minister said Mookerjee believed educational institutions should produce future leaders rather than merely preparing students for clerical jobs, describing his vision as both patriotic and forward-looking.
Modi also praised Mookerjee’s contribution as India’s first Minister for Industry and Supply, crediting him with laying the foundation for modern industrial development through initiatives such as the Damodar Valley Corporation and the Sindri Fertiliser Plant, while simultaneously supporting handloom, cottage industries, artisans, and textile workers.
Reflecting on Mookerjee’s political journey, the Prime Minister said he joined Jawaharlal Nehru’s Cabinet in the spirit of nation-building but resigned when he believed issues of national importance required a different course. He later founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh to provide what Modi described as an alternative political voice rooted in India’s cultural values.
The Prime Minister also referred to Mookerjee’s opposition to the First Constitutional Amendment, saying he had voiced concerns over restrictions on free speech and remained committed to democratic values throughout his public life.
Concluding the article, Modi said the greatest tribute to Mookerjee would be to work collectively towards building a strong, united, self-reliant, and compassionate India in line with the vision of a “Viksit Bharat.” He expressed confidence that India’s youth would play a leading role in achieving that goal.
