Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi today paid rich tributes to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee on his 125th birth anniversary, calling the occasion a “day of determination, an inspiration, and an awakening.”
The state-level celebrations, organized by the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department and the Information and Public Relations Department, took place at the Jayadev Bhawan here. Director, Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Bijay Ketan Upadhyay coordinated entire program, which was smoothly conducted.
In his address, Chief Minister Shri Majhi emphasized Dr. Mukherjee’s profound impact on India, describing his life as a “gift to this country which provides an example and inspiration to every Indian.”
He highlighted Dr. Mukherjee as a preeminent figure among the great minds of the early 20th century who championed Indian education, culture, tradition, and nationalism, dedicating his life to serving the motherland. Dr. Mukherjee was lauded not only as an educationist but also as a dedicated national leader, a far-sighted thinker, and a patriot.
The Chief Minister underscored Dr. Mukherjee’s pivotal role in forming the Jana Sangh, the precursor to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and credited him as the founder of the BJP. He stated that Dr. Mukherjee’s ideology and cultural nationalism formed the bedrock of today’s Bharatiya Janata Party.
A central theme of the Chief Minister’s speech was Dr. Mukherjee’s unwavering stance on Kashmir. Dr. Mukherjee firmly believed that Kashmir was an integral part of India and required no special provisions, famously coining the slogan “Do Vidhan, Do Pradhan, Do Nishan, Nehin Chalega” (Two Constitutions, Two Heads, Two Emblems, Not Acceptable) – a slogan that continues to resonate with every Indian.
Chief Minister Shri Majhi drew a direct parallel between Dr. Mukherjee’s vision and the actions of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, stating that the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A) of the Constitution in the first year of PM Shri Modi’s second term was not only beneficial for the country but also the “greatest tribute to Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.” He asserted that Prime Minister Shri Modi had fulfilled Dr. Mukherjee’s long-cherished dream and struggle.
Shri Majhi reiterated the nation’s pride in a figure like Dr. Mukherjee and affirmed the current government’s commitment to inclusive development. He also highlighted that previous state governments had never celebrated Dr. Mukherjee’s memorial day, stressing that the current administration considers it a “national duty” and will continue to observe it.
Concluding his speech, Chief Minister Shri Majhi spoke about the critical role of youth power in the country’s future. He announced the state government’s youth power development programs across Odisha, coinciding with the completion of one year of the government. He emphasized that “politics without ethics, governance without ideals, and freedom without patriotism is just an illusion,” and pledged to build the future through sacrifice and service. He affirmed that Dr. Mukherjee’s policies and vision are guiding the path towards a new Odisha and a strong India.
Guest of Honour, Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, described Dr. Mukherjee as a great personality in history, while State Mines and Steel Minister Shri Bibhuti Bhushan Jena called him a symbol of India’s integrity. The keynote speaker, Shri Anirban Ganguly, identified Dr. Mukherjee as a pioneer of education in Indian languages even in independent India.
The program was also attended by Government Chief Whip Shri Saroj Kumar Pradhan and Ekamra Bhubaneswar MLA Shri Babu Singh.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister and other distinguished guests inaugurated a photo exhibition gallery based on the life of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.
A short film on Dr. Mukherjee was screened by the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture. The Chief Minister felicitated the winners of a debate competition, including college and school level students, organized for the event.
Principal Secretary, Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department, Shri Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra delivered the welcome address, and Director, Culture, Shri Bijay Ketan Upadhyay proposed the vote of thanks.
Earlier in the program, the Chief Minister, Shri Majhi Speaker Odisha Legislative Assembly Smt. Surma Padhi, and other dignitaries paid floral tributes to the statue of the late Shyama Prasad Mukherjee at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Park in Satsang Vihar,