Dr. Mukherjee Was a True Patriot and a Champion of Democracy
Dr. Mukherjee Worked Relentlessly on Several National Issues, Including Opposition to Article 370
Speakers Remembered Dr. Mukherjee’s Contributions at the One Nation, One Constitution Programme
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee not only opposed Article 370 in Kashmir but consistently worked on several national interest issues. He was a true leader who worked to safeguard democracy in Kolkata and West Bengal. Dr. Mukherjee established the nationalist political party Bharatiya Jana Sangh and took the bold decision to contest elections independently after resigning from the then Central Cabinet. After transitioning from academia to public life, he faced many challenges that only a true patriot could endure.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav speaking at the “One Nation, One Constitution” programme organised by the Department of Culture at Ravindra Bhavan’s Hansdhwani Auditorium to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee, said that Dr. Mukherjee never compromised with unjust systems. Today, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given a befitting reply to the violence in Pahalgam through Operation Sindoor. Dr. Mukherjee was the first to raise his voice post-independence against systems that were not in the nation’s interest. His sacrifice will always be remembered.
CM Dr. Yadav emphasised that Prime Minister Shri Modi fulfilled Dr. Mukherjee’s life mission by taking the historic step of abrogating Article 370 from Kashmir. This brought to life Dr. Mukherjee’s vision of “One Nation, One Constitution, One Prime Minister.” The entire nation has supported the removal of Article 370 in unison.
CM Dr. Yadav further recalled that Dr. Mukherjee had delivered a powerful speech in Parliament opposing Article 370. He was firmly against granting special status to Kashmir and believed that Kashmir was not just a piece of land but the soul of India — a belief shared by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as well. Dr. Mukherjee believed that India’s unity was not negotiable. The Bharatiya Jana Sangh launched a Satyagraha movement over the Kashmir issue. On May 11, 1953, Dr. Mukherjee entered Kashmir defying the permit system, was arrested, and under mysterious circumstances passed away on June 23, 1953. His death was a supreme sacrifice for the nation.
Dr. Mukherjee Showed Us How to Envision the Nation
CM Dr. Yadav said that Dr. Mukherjee guided the people on how we should view our nation. Today, India is the world’s largest democracy. It is important to remember the mistakes made at the time of independence and continuously recall the contributions of great leaders like Dr. Mukherjee. Today, Prime Minister Shri Modi has shown the resolve to eliminate enemies of the nation, even within their own territories. Dr. Yadav congratulated the organizers, participants — especially the students — for the meaningful event.
Keynote speaker Shri Rajiv Kumar Pandey stated that while Dr. Mukherjee’s role in the Kashmir issue is often discussed, his other crucial contribution — saving Kolkata and West Bengal — is less talked about. Kolkata is an integral part of India, and the northeastern corridor connects multiple states. Dr. Mukherjee’s efforts ensured that Pakistan could not establish a land link through this region. He foresaw the strategic importance of the East and fought to preserve it. His contributions are indeed historic.
Minister Shri Dharmendra Singh Lodhi Recalls Dr. Mukherjee’s Sacrifice
Minister of State for Culture, Tourism, Religious Trusts, and Endowments (Independent Charge), Shri Dharmendra Singh Lodhi said that very few personalities like Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee are born on earth. He resigned from Nehru’s Cabinet over ideological differences despite holding the portfolio of Minister of Industry. A staunch nationalist, Dr. Mukherjee laid down his life for the unity of the country.
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla, Panchayat Minister Shri Prahlad Patel, Cooperation Minister Shri Vishwas Sarang, MLAs Shri Rameshwar Sharma and Shri Bhagwandas Sabnani, Mayor of Bhopal Smt. Malti Rai, Municipal Corporation Chairperson Shri Kishan Suryavanshi, and Shri Ravindra Yati were present at the event. Principal Secretary of the Culture Department, Shri Shiv Shekhar Shukla, delivered the vote of thanks.
