Arunachal Pradesh Begins Two-Year Celebration Marking Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s 125th Birth Anniversary

The Arunachal Pradesh government launched a two-year commemorative campaign in honour of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, marking his 125th birth anniversary. The initiative commenced with an inaugural ceremony at the State Banquet Hall in Itanagar, signalling the beginning of a series of events aimed at celebrating Dr. Mookerjee's enduring contributions to Indian politics, education, and social service.

The event was organized by the Department of Art & Culture under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General KT Parnaik served as the chief guest, while the Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs and SJETA, Kento Jini, graced the occasion as the guest of honour. The ceremony witnessed enthusiastic participation from various sections of society including students, government officials, bureaucrats, and key political personalities. Among the notable attendees were Capital MLA Techi Kaso, Itanagar Municipal Corporation Mayor Tamme Phassang, and Chief Secretary IAS Manish Gupta.

One of the highlights of the event was the memorial lectures delivered by two distinguished academicians—Professors Nabam Nakha Hina and Ashan Riddi. Their lectures delved into the multifaceted legacy of Dr. Mookerjee, emphasizing his pivotal role in shaping Indian political thought and his extensive humanitarian work. In recognition of their intellectual contributions, Governor Parnaik felicitated both professors, acknowledging the value of their scholarly presentations.

Governor Parnaik, in his address to the media, underscored Dr. Mookerjee’s significance not only as a politician but also as an educator and humanitarian. He specifically referenced Dr. Mookerjee’s vital relief efforts during the Bengal Famine of 1943 and highlighted how these efforts reflected a profound commitment to public service that transcended political ideologies and boundaries. He praised Mookerjee’s vision for inclusive growth and nation-building, noting that his work continues to inspire contemporary society.

Additionally, the event coincided with the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Governor Parnaik took the opportunity to extend heartfelt greetings, describing the Dalai Lama as "a living embodiment of compassion, peace, and timeless wisdom." He lauded the spiritual leader’s enduring influence on humanity through his teachings that advocate righteousness, compassion, and harmony.

Mayor Tamme Phassang also paid tribute to the Dalai Lama, reflecting on his historical and spiritual connection to Arunachal Pradesh. He recounted the significance of the Dalai Lama’s arrival in India through the state in 1959 and how he has since continued to spread messages of peace and harmony through Buddhist teachings. The mayor’s remarks highlighted the cultural and spiritual synergy between Arunachal Pradesh and the Tibetan spiritual tradition.

Overall, the inaugural function set the tone for a meaningful two-year campaign dedicated to celebrating and preserving the legacy of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee. It also served to underscore Arunachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage and its association with key figures in Indian political and spiritual history.