Srinagar, July 6: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today led the 125th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee at Tagore Hall in Srinagar, honoring the legacy of one of India’s most influential statesmen. The event witnessed rich tributes to Dr. Mookerjee, who is remembered for his pivotal role in shaping modern India and his relentless advocacy for the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the Indian Union.
Speaking at the event, the Lieutenant Governor hailed Dr. Mookerjee as a visionary educationist, fearless parliamentarian, and a true nationalist. “His ideals continue to guide the nation. He sacrificed his life for the unification of Jammu and Kashmir, and his commitment to ‘One Nation, One Constitution’ was a defining chapter in our national journey,” said LG Sinha.
He further stated that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has launched a two-year commemorative campaign to celebrate the life and contributions of Dr. Mookerjee, who laid down his life in Srinagar in 1953 while opposing Article 370.
The LG emphasized that the achievements made by Jammu and Kashmir post the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 reflect Dr. Mookerjee’s vision of a discrimination-free, fully integrated and development-oriented J&K. “Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Dr. Mookerjee’s dream has been realized and J&K is witnessing unprecedented development,” he added.
Highlighting Dr. Mookerjee’s multifaceted impact on India’s industrial, political, and educational sectors, the LG described him as the chief architect of India’s industrialization and self-reliance.
To honor his legacy further, LG Sinha directed the Culture, School Education, and Higher Education departments to host exhibitions, lectures, and theatrical performances on Dr. Mookerjee’s life across all schools, colleges, and universities in J&K from July 2025 to July 2027.
“Week-long exhibitions, village-level outreach, and cultural tributes are essential to make the youth aware of his monumental contribution. He breathed his last in Srinagar — the people of Jammu and Kashmir owe him a lasting tribute,” the LG asserted.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also released the translated version of the new criminal laws in the Kashmiri language, underlining efforts to promote local inclusivity. An exhibition showcasing the life and works of Dr. Mookerjee was organized by IGNCA Regional Office and the Department of Culture.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; MLAs Vikram Randhawa and Satish Sharma; Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board; Principal Secretary to Culture Department Brij Mohan Sharma; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Bidhuri; Secretary JKAACL Harvinder Kour; senior police and civil officers; political leaders; and members of the public.
