Bhubaneswar, 6 July (H.S.) :Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi attended the 125th State-level Birth Anniversary Celebration of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee as the chief guest at Jaydev Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. The event was organized by the Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture and the Information and Public Relations Department.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Majhi described the day as one of “resolution, inspiration, and awakening,” and said that Dr. Mookerjee’s life is a precious gift to the nation, serving as a role model and source of motivation for every Indian. He added that Dr. Mookerjee was among the leading intellectuals and nationalists of the first half of the 20th century, who strengthened Indian education, culture, tradition, and patriotism.

Highlighting Dr. Mookerjee’s multifaceted legacy, the Chief Minister said that he was not only a distinguished educationist but also a devoted national leader, visionary thinker, and staunch patriot. Dr. Mookerjee’s founding of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, which later evolved into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), laid the foundation for cultural nationalism that continues to shape the party’s ideology today.

Majhi further emphasized Dr. Mookerjee’s unwavering belief that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and that no special provisions were necessary for it. Quoting his historic slogan “Do Vidhan, Do Pradhan, Do Nishan – Nahin Chalenge,” the Chief Minister lauded Dr. Mookerjee’s contribution to national unity.

He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the first year of his second term, fulfilled Dr. Mookerjee’s vision by abrogating Articles 370 and 35A, which served as the truest tribute to his legacy.

Taking a dig at previous state governments, CM Majhi remarked that they had never commemorated Dr. Mookerjee’s birth or death anniversaries. In contrast, his government has embraced this as a national duty, ensuring respectful observance and pledging continued recognition in the future.

He also spoke about the role of youth in nation-building, mentioning that the state government is celebrating its first anniversary in office by launching youth development programs across Odisha. “Politics without morality, governance without ideals, and freedom without patriotism are mere illusions,” he declared.

At the event, Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling hailed Dr. Mookerjee as one of the greatest figures in Indian history, while Mines and Steel Minister Shri Bibhuti Bhusan Jena referred to him as a symbol of India’s unity and integrity.

Keynote speaker Mr. Anirban Ganguly praised Dr. Mookerjee as one of the earliest proponents of education in Indian languages during colonial India.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister inaugurated a photo exhibition gallery and a short film based on the life of Dr. Mookerjee. He also felicitated students from schools and colleges who had excelled in a debate competition organized as part of the celebrations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda