Modi lauds Bengal’s heritage, recalls Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s role in fostering national unity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke highly of West Bengal’s cultural and historical significance while recalling the Bengal ideologue Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s contribution to national unity.

Virtually addressed a gathering at Milan Mela Ground in Kolkata on the occasion of Mookerjee’s 125th birth anniversary, Modi praised the newly formed state government in Bengal for expanding the scale and grandeur of national celebrations and highlighted the recent observance of Paschim Banga Divas as an example of respect towards the state’s traditions and identity.

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He praised the newly formed state government in Bengal for expanding the scale and grandeur of national celebrations and highlighted the recent observance of Paschim Banga Divas as an example of respect towards the state’s traditions and identity.

Referring to Bengal’s cultural legacy, he said, “Today’s program is also a part of that same respect for one’s heritage,” adding that such initiatives reflected pride in the region’s rich history and traditions.

Watch: On the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Today, the soil of the nation, the soil of West Bengal, is remembering one of its greatest son, a great patriot…"

(Video Source: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, YouTube) pic.twitter.com/zl2pGsRIWa

— IANS (@ians_india) July 6, 2026

The Prime Minister also highlighted Mookerjee’s contributions in the fields of education and institution-building, recalling his tenure as the youngest Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University and later as independent India’s first Industry Minister.

He said institutions established during that period laid the foundation for the country’s economic and industrial growth and stressed that nation-building required a combination of ideas, dedication and strong institutions.

The Prime Minister also recalled the political developments during the partition period and highlighted Mookerjee’s role in ensuring Bengal remained an integral part of India.

Quoting the late leader, Modi said, “The foundation of a golden future can be laid only on the ground of national unity.”

Linking Mookerjee’s ideas with present-day policies, Modi recalled his opposition to “two constitutions, two prime ministers and two flags,” and remarked that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre has fulfilled one of his aspirations through the removal of Article 370.

“Today our government is proud that by bringing down that wall, we have fulfilled Mookerjee’s dream,” he said.