New Delhi, July 6 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tributes to Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary, remembering his contribution to nation-building, India’s unity and integrity, and his enduring legacy in public life.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi described Dr Mookerjee as one of India’s most remarkable nation-builders whose life was marked by scholarship, courage and an unwavering commitment to national service.

“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 progress,” the Prime Minister said.

Highlighting Dr Mookerjee’s contributions across several fields, PM Modi said, “Dr. Mookerjee’s contributions spanned diverse spheres. He was an outstanding thinker and educationist, who supported innovation and futuristic learning. As Industries Minister, he laid the foundations of industrial self-reliance while ensuring that traditional sectors and livelihoods flourished. His humanitarian efforts during the Bengal Famine reflected his profound compassion for those in distress. Above all, his steadfast commitment to the unity and integrity of India remains an enduring source of inspiration.”

“As we move forward in our journey towards a Viksit Bharat, his vision continues to illuminate our path,” the Prime Minister added.

PM Modi also shared a Sanskrit verse, saying that Dr Mookerjee’s sacrifice for India’s unity, integrity and self-respect would continue to inspire every generation.

The verse read: “Those noble souls and great figures who have performed exemplary deeds for society or made the ultimate sacrifice become immortal. Although their physical bodies may perish, their legacy, their “body of renown”, knows no fear of old age or death; they live on forever in history.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid homage to Dr Mookerjee, describing him as a fierce advocate of national unity, integrity and cultural nationalism.

“On the 125th birth anniversary of the revered Dr Syama Prasad Mukherjee, the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and a fierce proponent of the nation’s unity, integrity, and cultural nationalism, I remember him and pay my homage,” Shah posted on X.

He said Dr Mookerjee made the ideal of “Nation First” the guiding principle of his life.

“Dr Mukherjee made the ideal of ‘Nation First’ the guiding principle of his life. His visionary leadership during the partition of Bengal and his lifelong struggle to keep Jammu-Kashmir as an integral part of India will forever be remembered in Indian history,” HM Shah said.

The Home Minister added, “His unwavering commitment to principles and his lifelong fight for the nation’s integrity will continue to inspire the youth for generations.”

Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee (1901-1953) was an Indian barrister, educationist and politician who founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the predecessor of the BJP. He is remembered for his strong stand on national unity.

–IANS

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