Chandigarh, July 5: Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee made the greatest sacrifice for the unity and integrity of the nation. The voice he raised and the dream he envisioned were fulfilled by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi through the abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. Today, the Indian Tricolour is flying proudly from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was addressing a gathering on Sunday in Pathankot, Punjab, on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee. Pathankot MLA Sh. Ashwani Sharma, former Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Sh. Dinesh Babbu, former MLA Seema Kumari, and several other senior leaders were also present on the occasion.
The Chief Minister said that Pathankot is not merely a city but the northern frontier of ‘Bharat Mata’. It is the land of brave warriors, martyrs, patriots, and great sons of the nation who sacrificed everything to protect the country’s borders. The soil here carries the fragrance of valour, and the air is filled with the spirit of patriotism.
He said that history remembers certain personalities not merely through books but through generations that adopt their ideals in life. Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee was one such visionary leader who dedicated his entire life to India’s unity, integrity, self-respect, and national consciousness. He was not only a leader of his time but also a guide for future generations.
The Chief Minister said that Dr. Mookerjee was not only a renowned educationist but also an outstanding statesman.
He said that at the age of just 33, Dr. Mookerjee became the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta. The people of Bengal held him in great esteem and affection and referred to him as the “Tiger of Bengal.”
The Chief Minister said that Dr. Mookerjee’s objective was to build a strong and self-reliant India. With this vision, he entered public life and became India’s first Industry Minister. However, when faced with a choice between principles and power in 1950, he chose national interest over office. He strongly opposed the displacement of millions of Hindus and Sikhs from East Pakistan and expressed serious disagreement with the Liaquat-Nehru Pact, leading to his resignation from the Union Cabinet. Through this decision, he proved that the nation was more important to him than any position.
He said that Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee gave the call, “Ek desh mein do Vidhan, do Pradhan aur do Nishan nahin chalenge.” This was not merely a political slogan but the voice of India’s soul. He struggled for the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India and decided to enter the region without a permit. He was arrested while entering Jammu and Kashmir from Madhopur. At that time, former Prime Minister Late Sh. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was with him. Later, Dr. Mookerjee passed away while in custody. This was not an ordinary death but the supreme sacrifice made for the unity and integrity of the nation.
Article 370 Abrogation Fulfilled Dr. Mookerjee’s Vision
He said that the mission for which Dr. Mookerjee sacrificed his life was fulfilled on August 5, 2019, when Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah abrogated Article 370. Today, the Indian Tricolour flies with pride and honour from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Attock to Cuttack.
India Transformed Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Leadership
The Chief Minister said that the world now views India from a new perspective. A country once considered part of global problems has emerged as a nation providing solutions to the world. This transformation did not happen overnight. It is the result of the hard work, faith, and dedication of Indians, along with the relentless efforts, commitment, sacrifice, and leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi.
He said that over the last 11 years, millions of poor families have received permanent homes through various government initiatives. Through the Ayushman Bharat scheme, poor and needy citizens have gained access to treatment for serious illnesses. He further said that in Haryana, the scope of healthcare security has been expanded by integrating the Chirayu scheme with Ayushman Bharat.
The Chief Minister said that Digital India has brought technology to every village, Skill India has equipped youth with valuable skills, and Make in India has strengthened India’s industrial capabilities. Modern expressways are being constructed across the country, advanced trains such as Vande Bharat are being introduced, and airport infrastructure is being expanded.
He said that while some people talk about “Aam Aadmi Clinics,” the Haryana Government has focused on strengthening the entire healthcare infrastructure. In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of establishing a medical college in every district, Haryana has already established 17 medical colleges, while work on additional institutions continues to ensure better healthcare facilities for every citizen.
Haryana’s Model Based on Transparent Governance and Public Welfare
The Chief Minister said that the Haryana Government has adopted Prime Minister Modi’s model of good governance. The government works not for any caste, family, or vote bank but for the progress of every citizen. Over the last few years, nearly 2 lakh youth have been provided jobs without any “parchi-kharchi”.
He said that when he looks towards Punjab, he feels concern and pain. Today, every section of society in Punjab feels let down. Promises of employment were made to the youth, but many young people are now trapped in drug addiction.
The Chief Minister said that Punjab’s farmers were promised prosperity and better returns, yet they continue to struggle for fair prices for their produce. In contrast, Haryana has become the first state in the country where all 24 crops are being procured at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
He said that grand promises of financial assistance were made to women, but even after four years those promises remain unfulfilled. In Haryana, women are being provided ₹2,100 per month.
He further said that Haryana is providing full compensation to farmers for crop losses. Between 2004 and 2014, the Congress government provided only ₹1,136 crore as compensation for crop damage, whereas the present government has provided nearly ₹16,500 crore to farmers since 2014.
Punjab’s Future Will Be Decided by Its People, Not Delhi
The Chief Minister said that Punjab’s future will not be determined by Delhi’s politics but by the people of Punjab themselves. The farmers, youth, mothers, and sisters of Punjab will decide the direction and destiny of the state.
He said that the Bharatiya Janata Party is not seeking power from the people of Punjab but an opportunity to serve them. With the blessings of the people, Punjab will once again become a “Rangla Punjab.” He said that this would be the true tribute to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee and a strong foundation for building a Viksit Bharat.
