The Ministry of Culture, in association with the Government of West Bengal,  organized a special commemorative programme on 6th July 2026 at Milan Mela Prangan, Kolkata, as part of the two-year official commemoration of the 125th Birth Anniversary of Bharat Kesari Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee.

 Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation Shri Amit Shah graced the programme as the Chief Guest. The event was also attended by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat,  Chief Minister of West Bengal Shri Suvendu Adhikari, Chief Secretary, Government of West Bengal, Shri Manoj Agarwal, Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, and other distinguished dignitaries.

The Ministry of Culture had announced a two-year nationwide commemoration of the 125th birth anniversary of Bharat Kesari Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee in 2025 to honour the enduring legacy of the visionary statesman, educationist, parliamentarian and nationalist leader whose contributions significantly shaped India’s political, cultural, educational and industrial landscape.

The programmes on 6^th July were held across 3 key venues covering different facets of the commemorative functions organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Govt. of West Bengal. 

VENUE 1 – MILAN MELA

MAIN PROGRAMME

 

A special exhibition dedicated to the life and legacy of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee was showcased at Milan Mela Prangan which was the venue for the main programme. Through rare photographs, archival documents, personal artefacts and immersive multimedia displays, the exhibition traced his personal journey, ideological vision, educational reforms, and his pivotal role in strengthening India’s democratic institutions and industrial development.

The exhibition was kept open for an additional day to ensure the general public, especially students, could experience the historical narrative. Sanat Roy Chowdhury Institution for Girls, A.I.W.C Buniyadi Vidyapith Girl's High School, Surah Kanya High School, Beleghata Deshbandhu High school were some of schools from which students came to immerse themselves in the historical narrative presented in the exhibition.

The exhibition was also showcased through a series of local programmes organized across the districts and blocks of West Bengal as part of the statewide commemoration of the 125th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The commemorative initiatives witnessed extensive participation and outreach, reflecting the widespread public engagement with the occasion. Programmes were conducted across all districts of the state, covering 47 subdivisions, 341 blocks, 7 municipal corporations, and 120 municipalities.

In addition, educational institutions across West Bengal actively organized lectures, exhibitions, seminars, essay competitions, cultural programmes, and other commemorative activities to familiarize students and the wider community with the life, vision, and contributions of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The extensive geographical coverage and active involvement of local administrative bodies, educational institutions, and citizens ensured that the celebrations reached every corner of the state, making the commemoration both inclusive and impactful.

 

The commemorative programme at Milan Mela Prangan began with a grand welcome by 115 artists reflecting the rich diversity of traditional folk forms of West Bengal.

 

 

It also featured the mass singing of Vande Mataram, followed by a grand musical tribute to Dr. Syama Prasad titled "Sur, Sanskriti evam Rashtra" coordinated by the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT). The production featured 57 accomplished artists representing diverse streams of Indian classical, folk and traditional music, reflecting India's rich cultural heritage and spirit of unity. Conceived as a musical narrative, the programme celebrated Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee's enduring ideals of cultural nationalism, national integration, education and civilizational values. The musical ensemble was directed by Padma Shri Tarun Bhattacharya.

 

A special highlight of the programme was when Shri Amit Shah felicitated Shri Makhanlal Sarkar a contemporary of Dr Syama Prasad who had worked closely with him and was present at the time of his arrest in Jammu and Kashmir. His presence in this programme added more meaning to the commemorative efforts of the Ministry of Culture.

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paid rich tributes to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary via a virtual address. Highlighting the profound historical significance of the day for the entire nation and specifically for West Bengal, he led the gathering in paying heartfelt homage to one of its most illustrious sons. He painted a vivid picture of a devoted patriot whose entire existence was dedicated to preserving the nation’s core integrity. “Today the land of the country is reverently remembering a visionary dedicated to the integrity of India,” observed Shri Modi.

Link to full speech - https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/pm-addresses-125th-janma-jayanti-of-dr-syama-prasad-mookerjee/

The programme also witnessed screening of a short film depicting the life and contributions of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The programme also witnessed the launch of the Concept Model and 3D Visualization Announcement Video of the 125-foot statue of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee by the Chief Guest.

VENUE 2 – ECO PARK

BHOOMI PUJAN AND PLAQUE UNVEILING FOR

125 FT. STATUE OF DR SYAMA PRASAD MOOKERJEE

 

Earlier in the day the dignitaries visited Eco Park to perform the Bhoomi Poojan and lay the foundation stone for the proposed 125-foot statue of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, a landmark initiative to honour Dr. Syama Prasad’s enduring contribution to the nation during this commemoration. A large gathering of people were witness to this historic moment at Eco Park, Kolkata.

VENUE 3 – BHOWANIPORE

FLORAL TRIBUTE AT ANCESTRAL HOME OF DR SYAMA PRASAD

 

The second stop for the dignitaries was at Bhawanipore, Kolkata where floral tributes were offered by the Hon’ble Chief Guest Shri Amit Shah and other dignitaries at the residence of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee. Here the team also interacted with the family members of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee.

The two-year nationwide commemoration reflects the Government of India’s commitment to preserving and promoting the enduring legacy of one of the country’s foremost nation-builders, inspiring present and future generations through his ideals of nationalism, public service, and unwavering dedication to India’s unity and progress.

Links to speeches -

1. Address by Shri Amit Shah -https://x.com/AmitShah/status/2074121043527319866
2. Address by Shri Suvendhu Adhikari –

https://www.youtube.com/live/g4k_qfRMTvE?si=7uRyypwbEt2J1Ze-

3. Address by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat-

https://www.youtube.com/live/MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

 

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M Annadurai

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