TToday, July 6, is a special day for countless people who cherish the ideals of nationalism and selfless service. We celebrate the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, whose life remains an eternal example of courage and unwavering commitment Maa Bharti. Few leaders in modern India have embodied the seamless fusion of intellect, public service and moral conviction as profoundly as Dr. Mukherjee.
Young Shyama Prasad was born into circumstances that could easily have guaranteed him a secure and comfortable life. His father, Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee, was one of the eminent educators and intellectuals of his time. And yet, although fate set before him the path of privilege, his conscience led him to the path of self-sacrifice and national service. He was convinced that he could not remain a mute observer of the turbulent events of his time, be it the fight against colonialism, communalism, humanitarian problems or anything else. Along the way, he experienced deep personal tragedies, including the loss of a young child and then his wife. However, these tragedies only strengthened his resolve and strengthened his unwavering commitment to service.
If there was one ideal that defined the public life of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee above all else, it was the indivisibility of India. He stood firm during the coup during Partition to ensure that West Bengal remained an integral part of India. A few years later, it was this conviction that brought him to Jammu and Kashmir. Imprisonment did not stop him, and isolation did not diminish him. His life ended suddenly in custody, far from the countless people whose cause he had achieved. There are moments in history when a person’s final sacrifice transcends politics and enters the realm of national memory. Dr. Mukherjee’s final journey remains one such moment. Acharya Vinoba Bhave said that Dr. Mukherjee sacrificed himself for a cause in which he believed. Years later, the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A) in 2019 was the most fitting tribute to his martyrdom.
Dr. Mukherjee put India first and Indian values first. And he did this by creating institutions and nurturing systems that challenged the conventional thinking of the time. He became the youngest Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University. In his unique style, he brought positive changes, patriotic and futuristic. Speaking at an educators’ conference, Dr. Mukherjee put it perfectly when he said, “It is wrong to regard educational institutions as factories for producing potential clerks and low-paid staff. We must produce students who are capable of providing leadership in our self-governing institutions such as municipal corporations, provincial and central legislatures, and also in managing affairs in various walks of life such as financial, commercial and industrial.”
Under his leadership, Calcutta University made unique efforts such as improving library infrastructure, stimulating scientific research, encouraging the study of artefacts and establishing courses in agriculture, to name a few. He focused on areas such as sports, teacher training and student welfare. To instill a sense of pride among students and alumni, he started celebrating January 24 as the founding day of the university. He asked none other than Gurudev Tagore to write a song for the university.
Alternative voice
Another example of this spirit can be seen in the later period of his life when he decided to form the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. At a time when the Congress party was omnipresent, he felt there was even more reason for an alternative voice to champion India’s progress while remaining true to our cultural roots. Perhaps it was fitting that the party’s symbol was Diyaclay lamp. A single lamp may seem humble, but it has the power to dispel darkness far beyond itself. This is exactly what the Jana Sangh did both during its active years and after it.
Dr. Mukherjee’s tenure as India’s first Minister of Industry and Supplies shows that he was a statesman whose concept of development was remarkably comprehensive and humane. He saw industry as a means of restoring dignity, opportunity and confidence to the newly independent country. He respected wealth creation and value addition. While laying the foundations of modern industrial India through innovative initiatives such as the Damodar Valley Corporation, the Sindri fertilizer plant and a vigorous industrial policy, he simultaneously ensured that India’s traditional strengths were not neglected. Handlooms, cottage industries, artisans and textile workers found in him an equally dedicated protector.
Here I would like to share my personal experience. The Sindri plant, which Dr. Mukherjee worked to set up with a clear vision of self-sufficiency, was ignored by those who ruled the country for several decades. I am honored that our government had the opportunity to contribute to its revival. It truly was one of the most special moments of this program.
India’s civilizational tradition has long glorified dialogue and debate. Dr. Mukherjee personified this democratic spirit. He joined Pandit Nehru’s cabinet, believing that the task of nation-building in the early years transcended political differences. He served sincerely and constructively. But when he felt that issues of national importance required a different approach, he resigned his post with dignity and devoted himself wholeheartedly to the political work that he felt the nation needed.
Pandit Nehru introduced the First Amendment 75 years ago, which was a direct attack on freedom of speech. Dr. Mukherjee has been one of the staunchest critics. He understood very well what Congress was capable of. And he was right. Those who introduced the First Amendment 75 years ago introduced the Emergency in 1975, and 50 years ago passed the 42nd Amendment, which again struck at the very core of liberal democratic values.
Humanitarian efforts
Dr. Mukherjee also stood out for his humanitarian work. When Bengal’s most tragic famine struck in 1943, Dr. Mukherjee threw himself into serving the victims. He achieved the opening of several canteens and aid stations to feed people. On the one hand, he was deeply shocked by the plight of his people, and on the other, he was repulsed by the insensitivity of the colonial rulers. He even wrote a book Panchasher Manvantarin which he expressed his concern. When a super cyclone hit Medinipur in 1942, his efforts to restore normalcy received widespread recognition.
Speaking at a college in Calcutta, Dr. Mukherjee exhorted the youth: “Whatever work you undertake, do it seriously, thoroughly and well; never leave it half-hearted or unfinished, never feel satisfied until you have given it your all.” As India moves towards the goal vikshit Bharat, the best tribute we can pay him is to strive every day to build the strong, united, self-reliant and compassionate India in which he believed so deeply. And knowing the youth of today, I am confident that they will rise to the occasion and do just that.
The author is the Prime Minister of India.
Published – Jul 6, 2026 12:01 pm EST.