Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee's 125th birth anniversary will mark the beginning of a two-year national commemorative programme in Kolkata on Monday. Organised jointly by the Union Ministry of Culture and the Government of West Bengal, the event will formally launch a series of official programmes to be held over the next two years. According to the organisers, the initiative aims to present Dr. Mookerjee's life, ideas and contribution to nation-building to younger generations.
The programme will be held at Milan Mela in Kolkata, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah attending as the chief guest. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly Suvendu Adhikari, West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Union Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal, senior officials and other dignitaries are also scheduled to attend. Historians, academicians, representatives of cultural institutions and members of social organisations from across the country are expected to participate.
During the programme, Amit Shah will visit Eco Park in Kolkata to perform the groundbreaking ceremony and lay the foundation stone for a 125-foot statue of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The statue is planned as a memorial dedicated to his legacy. According to the government, the memorial is intended to preserve his public life and national contribution for future generations.
A special exhibition on the life and legacy of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee will also be inaugurated at the Milan Mela venue. The exhibition will showcase rare photographs, historical documents and multimedia presentations highlighting different phases of his life.
The exhibition will cover his childhood, education, public life, political journey, education reforms, industrial development and his role in strengthening India's democratic institutions. Digital displays and interactive presentations will provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about his life and ideas.
The event will begin with a collective rendition of "Vande Mataram". This will be followed by a cultural programme titled "Sur, Sanskriti Evam Rashtra", presented by the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT). The performances will use music, dance and cultural presentations to depict Dr. Mookerjee's commitment to nationalism, Indian culture and national unity.
According to the organisers, the cultural presentations are intended to help connect young people with history and national heritage.
According to the Union Ministry of Culture, the two-year national campaign will extend beyond commemorative events. Lectures, seminars, cultural programmes, exhibitions and academic activities will be organised at various locations across the country to present Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee's life, ideas and role in nation-building.
According to the government, the initiative aims to familiarise young people with significant personalities in Indian history and provide information about their contribution to the country's political and cultural development.
Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee is recognised as a prominent figure in Indian politics and education. His role in founding the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, along with his views on national unity, education and industrial development, has had an impact on Indian public life. The national programme being organised on the occasion of his 125th birth anniversary is intended to honour his contribution and carry forward his legacy to future generations.
The two-year national campaign, beginning in Kolkata, will feature programmes focused on history, culture and nation-building. The 125-foot statue, special exhibition and cultural events form part of the commemorative programme, with additional events planned across different parts of the country in the coming months.
