2002 - Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee | Commemorative Coin

The first commemorative coin of 2002 was released to mark the Birth Centenary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee.

Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee (1901–1953) was a distinguished statesman, educationist, and nationalist leader whose contributions left a lasting impact on India’s political and intellectual landscape. Born on 6 July 1901 in Kolkata, he came from an illustrious family; his father, Sir Ashutosh Mookerjee, was a renowned scholar and Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University. Following in this rich academic tradition, Mookerjee excelled in his studies, earning degrees in law and becoming one of the youngest Vice-Chancellors of Calcutta University at the age of thirty-three. His tenure marked significant reforms in higher education and a deep commitment to academic excellence.

Dr. Mookerjee entered national politics at a time when India was struggling with issues of identity, unity, and governance. Initially associated with the Indian National Congress, he later aligned with the Hindu Mahasabha, becoming its president in 1944. His strong nationalist views and emphasis on cultural identity made him a prominent voice in pre-independence and early post-independence India. After independence, he served as India’s first Minister for Industry and Supply in Jawaharlal Nehru’s Cabinet, where he played a crucial role in shaping the country’s industrial policy and strengthening economic foundations. He resigned from the Cabinet in 1950 due to ideological differences, particularly on issues related to national integration and minority appeasement.

One of Dr. Mookerjee’s most enduring legacies was the founding of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951, which later evolved into today’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Under his leadership, the Jana Sangh emerged as a significant political force advocating for national unity, cultural nationalism, and strong governance. His firm stance on Jammu and Kashmir remains one of the defining aspects of his political life. Mookerjee vehemently opposed the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and firmly believed that the state should be fully integrated into the Indian Union. His famous slogan, “Ek desh mein do vidhan, do nishan, do pradhan nahi chalenge,” symbolized his belief in the absolute unity of India.

In 1953, Dr. Mookerjee embarked on a protest visit to Jammu and Kashmir without seeking the required permit, challenging what he considered an unconstitutional restriction. He was arrested upon entry and detained under controversial circumstances. His sudden and untimely death on 23 June 1953 while in custody raised serious questions and remains a subject of debate and inquiry. His passing at the age of fifty-two marked the loss of a bold and principled nationalist leader.

Despite his brief life, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s ideas and contributions continue to influence Indian politics and public discourse. He is remembered as a visionary who championed national unity, educational reform, and principled politics. His legacy lives on in the institutions he strengthened, the political movements he inspired, and the enduring ideals of nationalism and integrity that he upheld with unwavering conviction.

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