Today, July 6, is a special day for countless people who cherish national ideals and selfless service. We celebrate the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee, whose life remains an enduring example of courage and unwavering commitment to Maa Bharti (Mother India). Few leaders in modern India have embodied the intersection of thought, public service and moral conviction as profoundly as Dr. Mukherjee.
Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee was born into circumstances that could have easily ensured him a safe and comfortable life. His father, Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee, was one of the most prominent educators and intellectuals of his time. However, while fate placed before him the path of excellence, his conscience led him towards the path of sacrifice and national service. He was convinced that he could not remain a silent spectator to the turmoil of his time, be it the fight against colonialism, sectarianism, humanitarian challenges and others. During this journey, he suffered profound personal tragedies, including the loss of an infant and, later, his wife. However, these tragedies only deepened his resolve and strengthened his unwavering commitment to service.
If there is one example that defined Dr. Mukherjee’s public life above all else, it is India’s indivisibility. He stood firm during the turmoil of Partition to ensure that West Bengal remained an integral part of India. A few years later, this conviction led him to Jammu and Kashmir. Prison did not deter him, nor did he lack isolation. His life ended suddenly in detention, far from the countless people whose cause he had made his own. There are moments in history when the ultimate sacrifice of the individual transcends politics and enters the realm of national memory. Dr. Mukherjee’s final journey remains one such moment. Acharya Vinoba Bhave said Dr Mukherjee sacrificed himself for a cause he believed in. Years later, the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A) in 2019 was the most worthy tribute to his martyrdom.
Dr. Mukherjee put India and its values first. He did this by building institutions and nurturing systems that challenged the traditional mentalities of those times. He became the youngest Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta. In his unique style, he brought about positive changes that were both national and futuristic. Addressing a conference of teachers, Dr. Mukherjee put it beautifully when he said: “It is incorrect to view educational institutions as factories for producing would-be clerks and low-paid employees. We have to produce students who are capable of providing leadership to our self-governing institutions, such as municipal corporations and provincial and central legislatures, as well as directing affairs in various spheres of life such as financial, commercial and industrial spheres.”
Under his leadership, the University of Calcutta made unique efforts such as improving library infrastructure, promoting research in science, encouraging the study of artefacts and establishing courses in agriculture, to name a few. He drew attention to areas such as sports, teacher training and student welfare. To inculcate a sense of pride among students and alumni, he started the practice of celebrating January 24 as the foundation day of the university. No one other than Gurudev Tagore was asked to compose a song for the university.
Another example of this spirit can be seen in the latter part of his life, when he decided to form the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. While the Congress Party was omnipresent, he felt there was all the more reason to have an alternative voice to talk about India’s progress while remaining true to our cultural roots. Perhaps it is appropriate that the party’s symbol is the “Diya”, the earthen lamp. A single lamp may seem humble, but it has the power to dispel darkness beyond itself. This is exactly what Jana Sangh did during the years it was active and beyond.
Dr. Mukherjee’s tenure as India’s first Minister of Industry and Supplies 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. He respected creating wealth and adding value. While laying the foundations of modern industrial India through pioneering initiatives such as the Damodar Valley Corporation, the Sindri Fertilizer Plant, and a strong industrial policy, he also ensured that India’s traditional strengths were not neglected. The handlooms, cottage industries, artisans and textile workers found in him an equally committed champion.
Here I would like to share a personal experience. The Sindri factory, which Dr. Mukherjee worked to establish with a clear vision of self-reliance, was ignored by those who ran the country for decades. I feel proud that our government had the opportunity to contribute to its revival. It was truly one of the most special moments I’ve had on this show.
India’s civilizational tradition has long celebrated dialogue and debate. Dr. Mukherjee embodied this democratic spirit. He joined Pandit Nehru’s government, believing that the nation-building mission of the early years transcended political differences. He served with dedication and constructive spirit. But when he felt that issues of national importance required a different course, he resigned his office with dignity and devoted himself wholeheartedly to the political work he believed the nation needed.
75 years ago, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru introduced the First Amendment, which was a direct assault on freedom of expression. Dr. Mukherjee was her harshest critic. He fully understood what Congress could do. He was proven right. Those who introduced the First Amendment 75 years ago imposed a state of emergency in 1975, and fifty years ago introduced the 42nd Amendment, which once again struck at the heart of liberal democratic values.
Dr. Mukherjee was also distinguished by his humanitarian efforts. When the most tragic famine struck Bengal in 1943, Dr. Mukherjee immersed himself in serving the affected people. He confirmed the opening of many canteens and relief centers to feed people. On the one hand, he was deeply shaken by the plight of his people, and on the other hand, he was disgusted by the insensitivity of the colonial rulers. He even wrote a book called Panchasher Manwantar, in which he expressed his concerns. When a powerful cyclone struck Medinipur in 1942, his efforts to restore normal life were widely praised.
Speaking at a college in Calcutta, Dr. Mukherjee urged the youth: “Whatever work you do, do it diligently, carefully and well; never leave it half-finished or retreat from it, and never be satisfied unless you give it your best.” As India moves towards the goal of Vixit Bharat, the best tribute we can pay him is to strive every day to build the strong, united, self-confident and compassionate India in which he so strongly believed. Knowing today’s youth, I am confident that they will rise to the occasion and do just that.
