Syama Prasad Mookerjee's sacrifice continues to inspire generations: Himanta Sarma
Guwahati, June 23
Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Monday paid rich tributes to Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his martyrdom day, describing him as a great nationalist leader whose life and sacrifice remain a source of inspiration for the nation.
Taking to social media, Sarma remembered Mookerjee's contribution towards safeguarding the unity and integrity of India and highlighted his role as an eminent educationist and statesman.
"To the great nationalist leader who dedicated his all to the unity and integrity of the nation, eminent educationist, and founder of the Jan Sangh, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, humble tribute on his martyrdom day. His sacrifice, struggle, and patriotism will forever remain a source of inspiration," the Chief Minister said in a post.
Along with the message, Sarma shared a photograph of a statue of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee adorned with floral garlands, paying homage to the Jana Sangh founder.
Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, one of the prominent figures in post-Independence Indian politics, founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951, which later evolved into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
He is widely remembered for his strong advocacy of national unity and his opposition to the special constitutional status granted to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
He died on June 23, 1953, while in detention in Jammu and Kashmir after launching a movement against the permit system that restricted the entry of Indian citizens into the state.
His death remains a significant chapter in India's political history and is commemorated every year by the BJP and its affiliated organisations.
Leaders of the BJP across the country observed the day by organising tribute programmes and remembering his contribution to nation-building.
In Assam, too, party leaders and workers paid floral tributes and highlighted his vision of a strong and united India. The BJP has often described Mukherjee as a key architect of nationalist politics whose ideas continue to influence the party's ideology and governance approach.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Unfortunately many people don't even know who Syama Prasad Mookerjee was. The education system should teach our real heroes, not just a few selected ones. His story of sacrificing his life for the nation is something every Indian should know.
While I respect his contribution to national unity, I feel the current government often uses his legacy for political mileage rather than genuinely following his principles. He was an educationist too - what have we done to improve our education system? We need to focus on that as well. 🤔
As someone from the US, I find it fascinating how India commemorates such historical figures. The passion for nationalism here is something we don't see much back home. Respect to Dr. Mookerjee's dedication to his principles, even at the cost of his life.
His fight against the permit system in Kashmir was truly ahead of its time. Today we can travel anywhere in India freely thanks to leaders like him. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, one Nation, one India! 🙏
It's good that the CM remembered him, but actions speak louder than words. If we truly want to honour his legacy, we need to address the real issues of unity - like regional disparities and communalism. Otherwise it's just empty rhetoric.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.