Srinagar, July 06: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today led the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of Dr.Syama Prasad Mookerjee at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, paying glowing tributes to the eminent statesman, educationist, and freedom fighter whose legacy continues to shape India’s national identity and development trajectory.In his address, the Lieutenant Governor hailed Dr.Mookerjee as one of the principal architects of modern India, recalling his unmatched contributions to national unity, constitutional integrity, and industrial self-reliance.“Dr.Syama Prasad Mookerjee was a visionary statesman, educationist, and fearless parliamentarian whose ideals continue to shape the destiny of India. His profound knowledge and resolute commitment to social cohesion and harmony will always be remembered,” the Lieutenant Governor said.He noted that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has launched a two-year-long campaign to honour Dr.Mookerjee’s life and legacy, recognizing his pivotal role in championing the cause of “One Nation, One Constitution” and opposing Article 370.
“Dr.Syama Prasad Mookerjee sacrificed his life for the unification of J&K with India. He was a staunch proponent of ‘One Nation, One Constitution’ and opposed Article 370. His martyrdom in Srinagar, while fighting for J&K’s complete integration, remains a defining moment in the nation’s history,” he said.The Lieutenant Governor further emphasized that the transformation witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir since August 2019 reflects both Dr.Mookerjee’s dream and the unwavering resolve of Prime Minister ShriNarendraModi.“ PrimeMinister NarendraModi fulfilled Dr.Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s dream 66 years after his martyrdom. Today, India is making exponential strides in its development journey to achieve his vision of a strong, united, and developed nation,” said the Lieutenant Governor.
“Dr.Mookerjee envisioned a discrimination-free Jammu and Kashmir, fully integrated with the rest of India. He sought active participation of the people of J&K in the national mainstream of development and nation-building. With his inspiration and the commitment of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, J&K is now setting new records of progress,” he added.Highlighting Dr.Mookerjee’s immense impact on India’s political, intellectual, educational, industrial, and cultural spheres, the Lieutenant Governor credited him as the chief architect of India’s industrialisation and a leading force behind the foundation of a self-reliant India.
As part of the commemorative efforts, the Lieutenant Governor directed the Departments of Culture, School Education, and Higher Education to organize a series of educational and cultural initiatives from July 2025 to July 2027.
“Dr.Mookerjee breathed his last in Srinagar. The entire Jammu and Kashmir is indebted to him. The new generation must actively engage in honouring his legacy. Week-long exhibitions in schools and colleges, theatrical performances depicting his life, and grand commemoration events in every village should be organised. Our youth must understand that without visionary leaders like Dr.Mookerjee, Jammu and Kashmir could not have realised its aspirations,” the Lieutenant Governor urged.On the occasion, Manoj Sinha also released the Kashmiri translation of the newly enacted criminal laws. An exhibition on the life and works of Dr.Mookerjee was also showcased by the IGNCA Regional Office, in collaboration with the Department of Culture.
The event was attended by a host of dignitaries including Chief Secretary AtalDulloo, MLAs VikramRandhawa and Satish Sharma, Dr.DarakhshanAndrabi, Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board, Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary, Culture Department, Vijay Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, and HarvinderKour, Secretary, JKAACL. Senior officials from civil and police administration, political leaders, and citizens from diverse walks of life also participated and paid their tributes.
