PM’s Address at the Combined Commanders Conference

Union Cabinet colleagues Amit Bhai Shah, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, West Bengal’s dynamic Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari, senior BJP member and inspiration to lakhs of workers like me, Shri Makhanlal ji, BJP state president Shamik Bhattacharya, esteemed public representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen!

My greetings to all of you!

Due to my pre-scheduled program, I am currently traveling. But with the help of technology, I am able to join you in this historic event.

Friends,

Today, the soil of our nation, the soil of West Bengal, is reverently remembering one of its great sons - a great patriot, a visionary dedicated to India’s integrity. Today we celebrate the seed of thought he planted, which is flourishing everywhere in the present time, playing a major role in guiding modern India.

Friends,

When ideas are rooted in the ground, when intentions are strong and pure, when new resolutions are pursued with complete dedication, and when all these links come together, success is inevitable. Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee lived such a life. On the occasion of his 125th birth anniversary, I bow to him and offer my tribute.

Friends,

This program is also testimony to the fact that when there is a government committed to Nation First, national heroes are honored and efforts are made to walk in their vision. Our government is celebrating Dr. Mookerjee’s 125th birth anniversary as a two-year national festival. It began last year on July 6 and will continue until July 6 next year. And now, with a BJP government in Bengal, this national honor has gained even more grandeur. Just a few days ago, on June 20, West Bengal Day was celebrated in a grand manner. That was a salute to Bengal’s land and heritage. Today’s program is part of that same respect for heritage. I warmly congratulate the West Bengal government for organizing such a magnificent event.

Friends,

Dr. Mookerjee’s life is an inspiration - from an idea to a mass movement. He gave birth to an ideological movement in India. At the time when the Jana Sangh was founded, Congress dominated everywhere. In such an era, when there was no space for alternative thought, when even finding a foothold was difficult, Dr. Mookerjee challenged those circumstances and had the courage to create a new idea. It was not merely the decision to form an organization or a political party. It was the expression of his unwavering faith in ideological diversity, national thought, and public participation in democracy. From this faith, the Bharatiya Jana Sangh was born.

Friends,

No idea becomes immortal merely by its founding. An idea becomes immortal when generations nurture it with their lives. To keep the flame of the Jana Sangh alive, lakhs of workers dedicated their lives, moment by moment, sacrifice by sacrifice. They never let that flame die. Today, even if the Jana Sangh is not visible in its original form, the light of that flame has spread as the trust of crores of Indians. That light today shines across the nation in the form of millions of blooming lotuses. What was once the Jana Sangh is today the Bharatiya Janata Party - the world’s largest democratic force, serving the people.

Friends,

Often we see that with time, some ideas lose their appeal. But think - how powerful was the seed of thought planted by Dr. Mookerjee, that even after so many years, it continues to expand rapidly. I am confident that when future generations write the history of the BJP’s journey, when they study it, they will certainly mention Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s ideas, his courage, and his foresight. And I will say again - for Bengal, this is a double joy. First, the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Mookerjee. And second, this grand celebration in Bengal itself, under a BJP government born from his vision. This is a heartfelt tribute from the people of West Bengal to their great son.

Friends,

In one of his speeches in Parliament, Dr. Mookerjee said something that continues to inspire us even today. He said: “On the foundation of national unity alone can the edifice of a golden future be built.” And indeed, India can proudly say that Dr. Mookerjee lived this belief until his last breath. In 1947, when the country was divided and another crisis loomed - conspiracies were being hatched to separate the whole of Bengal from India. At that time, Dr. Mookerjee stood like a rock against these plots. He mobilized public opinion, fought political battles, and ensured that West Bengal remained an integral part of India. It was then that Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee thundered: “Congress desh bhag korechhe, ami Pakistan ke bhag korechhi.” Meaning, Congress divided the country, but I divided Pakistan itself.

Friends,

That roar, that strength, the political will it displayed - we can still feel its power when we look at today’s circumstances.

Friends,

Dr. Mookerjee was fully dedicated to the vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. That is why, when the idea of two constitutions, two prime ministers, and two flags was raised, he strongly opposed it. He gave the nation the mantra: “Ek deshe dui bidhan, dui prodhan ebong dui nishan - amra kokhono mene nebo na.” In other words: “In one country, two constitutions, two prime ministers, and two flags - will not be accepted, will not be accepted.” This was not just a slogan. It was a call for equal rights, one constitution, and a unified national consciousness. He fought for these principles, went to jail, and ultimately gave his supreme sacrifice for Kashmir. Today, our government is proud that by removing Article 370, we fulfilled Dr. Mookerjee’s dream.

Friends,

When we speak of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat today, it is the expansion of that same national vision defined by Dr. Mookerjee’s life. A vision of an India where there is no distance between North and South, where East and West share equal opportunities, where every state contributes its unique identity to India’s collective strength, and where every citizen is bound by one constitution, one national spirit, and one shared future. I am glad that inspired by Dr. Mookerjee, India’s constitution today applies across the nation with full dignity, inspiring millions of citizens.

Friends,

Dr. Mookerjee understood well that nation-building lies in institution-building. At just 33 years of age, he became the youngest Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University. But he did not see that position as merely administrative. He saw the university as an institution shaping India’s future. He sought to free education from the mindset of colonial servitude. He said: “Bongo-jatir atto-shomman punor-uddhar ebong matri-bhashar madhyome shikkhar proshar ei amader prodhan lokkho howa uchit.” Meaning, restoring the self-respect of Bengal’s people and spreading education through the mother tongue should be our foremost goal. He believed that if India was to become a confident nation, its education must be rooted in the Indian soul. With this vision, he gave respect to Indian languages. Today, we are proud that under the new National Education Policy, emphasis is being placed on education in local languages - fulfilling the dream Dr. Mookerjee once saw.

Friends,

As independent India’s first Industry Minister, he laid out a broad vision for industrial development. He established national institutions that became the pillars of India’s economic strength for decades. Chittaranjan Locomotive Works gave new momentum to India’s railways. Sindri Fertilizer Plant was a major step toward agricultural self-reliance. Damodar Valley Corporation opened a new chapter in energy and irrigation. The Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) provided a financial foundation for Indian industries.

Friends,

For him, industries and factories were not just workshops. Universities were not just places to hand out degrees. Research institutions were not just sites for experiments. For him, all these were centers of national devotion. He believed in institutions that gave talent opportunities, education that encouraged innovation, industries that became the basis of self-reliance, and systems that empowered future generations to inherit a stronger India. This spirit is the inspiration behind today’s vision of a developed India.

Friends,

On this occasion, I say to the youth of Bengal and of the entire nation: Dr. Mookerjee dedicated his life for Ek Bharat. We must live for Shreshtha Bharat. Together, we must fulfill the resolve of a developed India. We must make the nation self-reliant. With this call, I once again bow to Dr. Mookerjee. And I will end with his own words, his own spirit: “Je kaj ei hate nao na keno, ta atyononto gurutto shohokare korte hobe.” Meaning: Whatever work you begin, do it with utmost seriousness, with dedication, with complete sincerity. Never leave any work incomplete - always see it through to the end. With this flowing inspiration from Dr. Mookerjee’s words, I extend my heartfelt best wishes to all of you.

Thank you very much!