Shyama Prasad Mukherjee: A Life
Today, 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. Syama Prasad Mukherjee, whose life is a timeless example of courage and unwavering commitment to Mother India. Few leaders in modern India embody the seamless fusion of intelligence, public service and moral conviction as profoundly as Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.
Young Shyama Prasad was born into circumstances that could easily have assured him a secure and comfortable life. His father, Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee, was among the leading educationists and intellectuals of his era. Yet, while destiny laid before him the path to privilege, his conscience led him to sacrifice and national service. He believed that he could not remain a silent spectator to the turmoil of his times, be it fighting colonialism, communalism, humanitarian challenges and others. During this trip, he suffered serious personal tragedies, including the death of an infant child and later his wife. Yet, these tragedies deepened his resolve and strengthened his unwavering commitment to service.
If there was one ideal that defined Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s public life above all else, it was the indivisibility of India. He stood firm during the turmoil of Partition to ensure that West Bengal remained an integral part of India. A few years later, the same conviction drew him to Jammu and Kashmir. Imprisonment did not disorient him and isolation did not diminish him. His life ended suddenly in custody, away from the countless people whose cause he had made his own. There come moments in history when an individual’s ultimate sacrifice transcends politics and enters the realm of national memory. Dr. Mukherjee’s last journey is also one such moment. Acharya Vinoba Bhave said that Dr. Mukherjee sacrificed his life for the 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 they did so by building institutions and nurturing systems that challenged the traditional mindset of the time. He became the youngest Vice Chancellor of Calcutta University. In his unique style, he brought positive changes that were patriotic and futuristic. Addressing a teachers’ conference, Dr. Mukherjee eloquently said, “It is wrong to look upon educational institutions as factories producing potential clerks and low-paid employees. We have to produce students who will be capable of providing leadership to our self-governing institutions, such as municipal corporations, provincial and central legislatures and will also be capable of directing various spheres of life such as financial, commercial and industrial affairs.”
Under his leadership, the University of Calcutta made unique efforts such as improving the library infrastructure, promoting research in science, encouraging the study of artefacts and establishing courses in agriculture. He drew attention to areas like sports, teacher training and student welfare. To instill a sense of pride among the students and alumni, he started the practice of celebrating 24 January as the foundation day of the university. He requested none other than Gurudev Tagore to write a song for the university.
Another example of this sentiment can be seen in the latter part 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 all the more reason for an alternative voice to speak for India’s progress while remaining connected to our cultural roots. Perhaps it was appropriate that the party’s election symbol was Diya, an earthen lamp. A lamp may look small, yet it has the power to dispel darkness greater than itself. This is exactly what the Jan Sangh did during its active days and in the years that followed.
Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee’s tenure as India’s first Minister of Industries and Supplies reveals a statesman whose concept of development was remarkably broad and humanitarian. He saw industry as a means of restoring dignity, opportunity and confidence in a newly independent nation. He respected wealth creation and value addition. While laying the foundation of modern industrial India through pioneering initiatives such as the Damodar Valley Corporation, the Sindri Fertilizer Plant and a strong industrial policy, he also ensured that India’s traditional strengths were not neglected. Handlooms, cottage industries, artisans and textile workers found in him an equally committed champion.
Here I would like to share a personal experience. The Sindri plant, which Dr Mukherjee worked to set up with a clear vision of self-reliance, was ignored by those running the country for many decades. I feel honored that our government has had the opportunity to contribute to its revival. It was truly one of the most special moments of that show.
India’s civilizational tradition has long celebrated dialogue and discussion. Dr. Mukherjee embodied this democratic spirit. He joined Pandit Nehru’s cabinet, believing that the task of nation-building transcended political differences in the early years. He served with honesty and constructive spirit. But when he felt that questions of national importance demanded a different direction, he stepped down with dignity and devoted himself wholeheartedly to the political work he believed the nation required.
Seventy-five years ago, Pandit Nehru brought in the First Amendment, which was a direct attack on freedom of expression. Dr. Mukherjee was among its staunchest critics. He understood very well what Congress was capable of doing. And he was proved right. Those who brought the First Amendment 75 years ago imposed Emergency in 1975 and brought the 42nd Amendment Act 50 years ago, which again struck at the core of liberal democratic values.
Dr. Mukherjee was also a pioneer in his humanitarian efforts. When the most tragic famine occurred in Bengal in 1943, Dr. Mukherjee devoted himself to the service of the affected people. He ensured that many canteens and relief centers were opened to feed the people. On the one hand, he was deeply hurt by the plight of his people, while on the other, he was disgusted by the insensitivity of the colonial rulers. He also wrote a book named Pancasher Manvantar, in which he expressed his anger. When a super cyclone hit Medinipur in 1942, his efforts to restore normalcy were widely appreciated.
Speaking at a college in Kolkata, Dr. Mukherjee urged the youth, “Whatever work you do, do it seriously, thoroughly and well; never leave it half-finished or incomplete; never feel satisfied until you have given it your best.” As India moves towards the goal of a developed India, the best tribute we can pay him is to strive every day to build the strong, united, self-confident and compassionate India in which he so deeply believed. And knowing the youth of today, I am sure they will rise to the occasion and do exactly that.
The author is the Prime Minister of India
