Sikkim CM hails Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s role in nation building

Sikkim Chief Minister P.S. Tamang on Sunday attended the state-level Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee birth anniversary celebration at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok.

In his address, the Chief Minister spoke about the role of Dr Mookerjee in shaping the nation’s political and cultural direction. He stated that Dr Mookerjee followed the ideals and path of his father, Ashutosh Mookerjee, who was a respected judge and educationist.

He added that Dr Mookerjee completed his law degree from the University of Calcutta and later went to England, where he qualified as a barrister from Lincoln’s Inn. He said that Dr Mookerjee became the youngest Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University at the age of 33, where he promoted learning and national values.

The Chief Minister said that Dr Mookerjee worked for self-reliance, the promotion of Indian knowledge systems, and the development of local industries. He described Dr Mookerjee as a man of wisdom who stood for self-reliance, took pride in India’s cultural roots, and believed in strengthening local industries. He stated that Dr Mookerjee’s work reflected his commitment to the country’s independence in thought, economy, and identity.

He urged everyone to follow Dr Mookerjee’s principles and work for the welfare of the nation. He also thanked the Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, for promoting the vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

Former Head of Department of History and Presiding Officer of the Internal Complaint Committee, Sikkim University Dr Veenu Pant, delivered a talk on the life and contributions of Dr Syama Mookerjee. She said he was committed to education and public service.

She mentioned that Dr Mookerjee began his political career with the Indian National Congress and later joined the Hindu Mahasabha. After Independence, he served as the Minister for Industry and Supply. She stated that he opposed Article 370 and travelled to Jammu and Kashmir in protest. He was arrested and later passed away in custody in 1953. She said people remember him as a principled leader who stood for national unity.

The event also featured a patriotic song performance by the Culture Department.