Today is the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, the founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh. On this occasion, many leaders are paying tribute to him. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to him. The PM wrote an article remembering his life, thoughts and contribution to nation building. The PM said that the life of Kishyama Prasad Mukherjee was a symbol of scholarship, courage and unwavering dedication towards national service.
PM Modi said in the article that Dr. Mukherjee dedicated his entire life to the unity, dignity and progress of India. The biggest ideal of his life was ‘integrity of India’ and the removal of Articles 370 and 35A in 2019 is the most appropriate tribute to his sacrifice.
‘A life dedicated to the unity and progress of India’
In an article titled ‘A life dedicated to the unity and progress of India’, PA Modi wrote, ‘There are some moments in history when the ultimate sacrifice of a person rises above politics and becomes a part of the national memory. Dr. Mukherjee’s last journey is one of such moments.
Today, on the 125th Jayanti of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, I bow to one of India’s most remarkable nation-builders, whose life was defined by scholarship, courage and an unwavering commitment to national service. He dedicated himself to the cause of India’s unity, dignity and
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2026
‘Removing 370 and 35A is the biggest tribute’
PM Modi said that opposition to the special status of Jammu and Kashmir became the center of Dr. Mukherjee’s political legacy. He wrote, “Years later, the removal of Articles 370 and 35A in 2019 was the most appropriate tribute to his sacrifice.” Describing July 6 as a special day for crores of people who believe in the ideals of ‘nationalism and selfless service’, Modi said that Dr. Mukherjee was the confluence of intelligence, public service and moral fortitude.
‘Left comforts and luxuries and chose the path of Jana Sena’
Recalling the life of Dr. Mukherjee, the PM said that despite being the son of famous educationist Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee, he left comforts and luxuries and chose the life of Jana Sena. Personal tragedies like the demise of his son and wife also further strengthened his resolve to serve the nation. The PM said that if there was one ideal that defined Dr. Mukherjee’s public life, it was the integrity of India. He recalled that at the time of partition, Mukherjee firmly ensured that West Bengal remained an integral part of India. Later he showed the same determination regarding Jammu and Kashmir also.
Reformer in the field of education and industry
PM Modi described Dr. Mukherjee as a visionary reformer. He became the youngest Vice Chancellor of Calcutta University. He strengthened scientific research, improved libraries, promoted agricultural studies, teacher training and student welfare. Citing Mukherjee’s vision of education, Modi said, ‘It is wrong to consider educational institutions as factories for producing potential clerks and low-paid employees. We have to prepare such students who are capable of leading. He said that this statement reflects Mukherjee’s belief that education should prepare nation builders and not just job seekers.
The Prime Minister also highlighted Mukherjee’s tenure as independent India’s first Minister of Industries and Supplies and credited him for laying the foundation of modern industrial development through initiatives such as the Damodar Valley Corporation and the Sindri Fertilizer Plant. Along with this, he also supported handloom, artisans and cottage industries. Sharing personal experiences, PM Modi said he was proud that his government restarted the Sindri fertilizer plant, neglected for decades, which was part of Mukherjee’s dream of self-reliance.
‘Chosen principles rather than position’
In his article, PM Modi has presented Mukherjee as a supporter of democratic debate. In which it is reminded that despite ideological differences, Mukherjee joined the first cabinet of Jawaharlal Nehru because he believed that cooperation was necessary for nation building. The PM said Mukherjee resigned only when he felt that questions of national importance demanded a different path and he chose principles over position.
PM Modi also noted Mukherjee’s opposition to the First Constitutional Amendment and argued that he had warned against restrictions on freedom of expression and subsequent events, including the Emergency, vindicated those concerns.
Also remembered the relief work
Beyond politics, Prime Minister Modi highlighted Mukherjee’s humanitarian work during the Bengal famine of 1943 and relief efforts after the Medinipur cyclone of 1942, describing him as a leader equally dedicated to public service even in times of crisis.
message for youth
Paying tribute, Prime Minister Modi recalled Mukherjee’s message to the youth, ‘Whatever work you undertake, do it seriously, with full dedication and well, never leave it incomplete or incomplete’. He said that the greatest tribute to Mukherjee would be to build the strong, united, self-confident and compassionate India in which he deeply believed. The PM expressed confidence that the youth of the country will carry forward that vision.
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