Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi remarked on June 23 that Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s name will always be associated with any discussion of Kashmir. He described Mookerjee’s life as a priceless gift to the nation and hailed him as a timeless source of inspiration and an ideal for all Indians.
Speaking at a state-level event organised by the Government of Odisha to commemorate Balidan Diwas (Martyrdom Day) of Dr. Mookerjee at Jayadev Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on Monday evening, the Chief Minister encouraged the youth of the state to embrace the values and ideals of the late leader.
“Dr. Mookerjee’s thoughts continue to guide the nation today. His life was a blazing torch of patriotism, morality, and commitment to national unity. He stood resolutely, like a brave warrior, to preserve the integrity of Jammu and Kashmir,” said CM Majhi.
Reiterating Mookerjee’s firm stance on Kashmir, the Chief Minister added, “He firmly believed that Kashmir is an integral part of India and that no special constitutional provisions are necessary. His vision reflected deep-rooted nationalism.”
Referring to the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35(A) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the first year of his second term, the Chief Minister hailed it as a bold and historic step. “This was not only a significant move for the nation’s progress but also the truest tribute to Dr. Mookerjee’s vision. Whenever Jammu and Kashmir is mentioned, the names of Dr. Mookerjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be remembered together,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to honouring national heroes, CM Majhi noted that previous state governments had neglected to observe Dr. Mookerjee’s martyrdom day. “Our government considers this a national duty. As we work to build a New Odisha and progress towards a stronger India, Dr. Mookerjee’s policies and perspectives provide us with a clear roadmap,” he remarked.
Addressing the gathering, Odisha Higher Education Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj described Dr. Mookerjee as a guiding star for the youth, comparing his brief yet impactful life to a meteor that illuminates the sky for a fleeting moment but leaves a lasting impression.
Distinguished guests at the event included Ekamra Bhubaneswar MLA Shri Babu Singh, Palalahara MLA Shri Ashok Mahanti, and keynote speaker Professor Basanta Kumar Panda.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of the Information & Public Relations Department, and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the department’s Director, Shri Anuj Kumar Das Pattnaik.
