As part of the two-year nationwide commemoration to mark the 125th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, revered as 'Bharat Kesari', the Ministry of Culture, in association with the Government of West Bengal, organised a grand commemorative program on 6 July 2026 at Milan Mela Prangan, Kolkata.
Shri Amit Shah, Hon'ble Union Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperation, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon'ble Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Govt. of India, Shri Suvendu Adhikari, Hon’ble Chief Minister, West Bengal, Shri Samik Bhattacharya, Hon'ble Member of Rajya Sabha, Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, and other distinguished dignitaries were present on the occasion.
On the occasion, the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Culture, presented a specially curated cultural tribute titled "Melody, Culture & Nation", celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee through music, dance and theatrical performances.
As part of the commemorative program, Shri Amit Shah performed the Bhoomi Pujan and unveiled the foundation stone plaque for the construction of a 125-foot bronze statue of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee at Eco Park, New Town, Kolkata. He also paid floral tributes at the statue of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee at his ancestral residence at 77, Ashutosh Mukherjee Lane, Bhowanipore.
At the main venue, the Chief Guest, Sh Amit Shah, visited a specially curated exhibition on the life and legacy of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, which also attracted the attention of the crowd present at the venue.
The evening program commenced with a mass rendition of the National Song Vande Mataram, followed by floral tributes to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee and the felicitation of the dignitaries present on the stage including Sh Makhanlal Sarkaar in recognition of his dedicated efforts towards preserving and carrying forward the legacy of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
Welcoming the gathering, Hon'ble Union Minister of Culture & Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that Dr. Mookerjee was an exceptional educationist and visionary who infused new energy into the nation and made the supreme sacrifice for India's unity and integrity. He further highlighted that the nationwide two-year commemorative celebrations seek to inspire future generations with Dr. Mookerjee's ideals and vision.
A short documentary on the life and contributions of Dr. Mookerjee was screened during the program alongwith unveiling of a Concept Model and 3D Visualisation of the proposed 125-foot bronze statue, offering a glimpse of the grand memorial being developed in his honour.
A special video message from Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was screened during the program. Paying rich tributes to Dr. Mookerjee, Hon’ble Prime Minister described him as a great son of India, an unwavering patriot and a visionary who dedicated his life to safeguarding the unity and integrity of the nation. He stated that Dr. Mookerjee's ideals continue to guide modern India and inspire generations in the country's journey of nation-building.
Addressing the gathering, Sh Amit Shah said that the foundation stone for a memorial dedicated to Bharat Kesari Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee was being laid in his home State after more than six decades, making the occasion an emotional one for countless admirers of the great nationalist leader. Referring to the foundation of the 125-foot bronze statue, Shri Shah described the occasion as not merely the beginning of a memorial, but the foundation of the resolve for a 'Sonar Bangla'. He also said that Dr. Mookerjee sowed the seeds of cultural nationalism, which continue to provide the ideological foundation for a Viksit Bharat.
