Governor honours Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s legacy, recalls his role in securing Assam’s place in India

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 6, 2025

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya paid tribute to Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary, hailing him as a visionary who shaped India’s unity, education, and cultural identity. The commemorative event took place at Raj Bhavan and was attended by government officials, academics, and cultural figures.

Floral tributes were offered as the Governor reflected on Mookerjee’s enduring legacy. Calling him “a blessed son of Bharat,” Acharya emphasized Mookerjee’s lifelong commitment to national integrity, sovereignty, and unity.

In his speech, the Governor praised Mookerjee as a pioneering cultural nationalist whose influence spanned education, governance, and political thought. Highlighting his early academic brilliance, Acharya recalled Mookerjee’s appointment as Vice Chancellor of Calcutta University at the age of 33 and his role in shaping India’s modern education system.

Addressing Mookerjee’s political vision, Acharya highlighted his strong opposition to Article 370, quoting his historic stance: “A single country cannot have two constitutions, two prime ministers, and two flags.” The Governor noted that the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 was a realization of Mookerjee’s dream of a unified India.

The Governor also emphasized Mookerjee’s role in protecting Assam’s integration with India during Partition, crediting his collaboration with Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi as crucial in preserving the region’s place in the Union. “He turned challenges into opportunities. His life is a guiding light for building a self-reliant, united India,” Acharya remarked.

Acharya further linked Mookerjee’s ideals to contemporary national efforts such as Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, noting how the program reflects Mookerjee’s vision of cultural unity and national pride.

Minister of Culture Bimal Bora also paid homage, celebrating Mookerjee’s academic achievements and steadfast nationalism. “His intellectual and ideological contributions are timeless,” Bora said.

Dignitaries present included Advisor to the Raj Bhavan Secretariat Dr. Harbansh Dixit, OSD to the Governor Prof. Bechan Lal, Education Advisor Prof. Debabrata Das, IIT Guwahati Director Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Cultural Affairs Secretary Pallabi Phukan, Director of Cultural Affairs Rahul Das, and writer and social worker Ranjib Kumar Sharma.