Srinagar, Jul 06 (KNO): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tributes to Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary, saying the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A was a true tribute to his lifelong commitment to India's unity and integrity.
In a commemorative article released on the occasion, PM Modi, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) described Mookerjee as a leader whose public life was shaped by scholarship, patriotism and a commitment to national service. He said Mookerjee's contributions continued to inspire the country's journey towards development and national integration.
The Prime Minister said safeguarding India's unity remained central to Mookerjee's political life. Referring to his campaign on Jammu and Kashmir, PM Modi said Mookerjee's struggle and sacrifice had found fulfilment through the removal of J&K’s special constitutional status.
PM Modi recalled Mookerjee's role during the partition, saying he worked to ensure that West Bengal remained part of India. He also referred to his detention while protesting the permit system in Jammu and Kashmir, describing his death in custody as a sacrifice that became part of the nation's collective memory.
Highlighting Mookerjee's contribution to education, Modi said he became one of the country's youngest university Vice-Chancellors and advocated an education system that prepared students for leadership roles instead of merely producing job seekers.
The Prime Minister said Mookerjee also played a significant role in laying the foundation for India's industrial growth after Independence. He credited him with supporting projects such as the Damodar Valley Corporation and the Sindri Fertilizer Plant, besides encouraging handloom, cottage industries and artisans.
PM Modi said the revival of the Sindri fertilizer unit during his government's tenure was personally significant as it reflected Mookerjee's vision of a self-reliant India.
He also described Mookerjee as a firm believer in democratic values, noting that although he served in the first Union Cabinet headed by Jawaharlal Nehru, he resigned after differences over issues he believed were against the national interest.
The Prime Minister further highlighted Mookerjee's humanitarian work during the Bengal famine of 1943 and relief efforts following the Medinipur cyclone, saying public service and compassion remained central to his life.
He urged people, especially the youth, to draw inspiration from Mookerjee's ideals of dedication, honesty and national service, saying his life remained a guiding force for building a stronger and more developed India—(KNO)