SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday described the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A as the most appropriate tribute to Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee, saying it fulfilled the vision for which he devoted his life and ultimately made the supreme sacrifice.
In a signed article released on the occasion of Mookerjee’s 125th birth anniversary, Modi paid tribute to the former Union minister, calling him a leader whose commitment to national unity, democratic values and public service continues to inspire generations.
The prime minister said July 6 holds special significance for those who believe in nationalism and selfless service, describing Mookerjee as a symbol of courage, conviction and unwavering devotion to the nation.
Tracing Mookerjee’s life, Modi noted that despite being born into a distinguished family headed by renowned educationist Sir Ashutosh Mookerjee, he chose a life of sacrifice and public service instead of personal comfort. He said Mookerjee actively confronted the challenges of colonial rule, communal tensions and humanitarian crises, while enduring personal tragedies that only strengthened his resolve.
According to Modi, the defining principle of Mookerjee’s public life was the unity and integrity of India. He highlighted Mookerjee’s role during Partition in ensuring that West Bengal remained part of India and his later campaign for the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir into the Indian Union.
Referring to Mookerjee’s detention and death in Srinagar in 1953 while protesting the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir, Modi said his sacrifice eventually found recognition with the revocation of Articles 370 and 35A by the Centre in August 2019.
The prime minister said Mookerjee consistently placed the nation above all else and demonstrated this approach by creating institutions and promoting ideas that challenged prevailing conventions.
He highlighted Mookerjee’s tenure as the youngest Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta, where he introduced reforms aimed at nurturing leadership, strengthening teacher training, promoting sports and improving student welfare. Modi also recalled that Mookerjee encouraged Rabindranath Tagore to compose a song for the university and believed educational institutions should produce leaders rather than merely clerical staff.
Modi said the same spirit led Mookerjee to establish the Bharatiya Jana Sangh at a time when the Congress dominated Indian politics. He described the party’s election symbol, the earthen lamp, as a representation of hope and the ability of a small force to dispel widespread darkness.
Recalling Mookerjee’s tenure as independent India’s first Minister for Industry and Supply, the prime minister credited him with laying the foundations of modern industrial development through initiatives such as the Damodar Valley Corporation and the Sindri Fertiliser Plant, while simultaneously supporting traditional sectors including handlooms, cottage industries and artisans.
Sharing a personal reflection, Modi said the Sindri fertiliser project, envisioned by Mookerjee to strengthen India’s self-reliance, remained neglected for decades before being revived by his government. He described participating in its revival as one of the most meaningful moments of his tenure.
The prime minister also praised Mookerjee’s democratic outlook, noting that he joined Jawaharlal Nehru’s Cabinet despite political differences because he believed nation-building required cooperation. However, when differences arose over issues of national importance, Mookerjee resigned with dignity and pursued the political path he believed best served the country.
Modi further said Mookerjee strongly opposed the First Constitutional Amendment introduced by the Nehru government, arguing that it undermined freedom of expression. He linked those concerns to later political developments, including the Emergency imposed in 1975 and the enactment of the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, which he said weakened democratic values.
Highlighting Mookerjee’s humanitarian work, Modi recalled his efforts to assist people affected by the devastating Bengal famine of 1943.
Concluding his tribute, the prime minister said the most meaningful way to honour Mookerjee’s legacy is to work towards building a strong, united, compassionate and self-confident India as the country advances towards the goal of a developed nation. He also expressed confidence that the younger generation would carry forward those ideals.
