Arunachal launches two-year commemoration of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee's 125th birth anniversary

The state government of Arunachal Pradesh kicked off a comprehensive two-year campaign to honour the legacy of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, with an inaugural function held at the State Banquet Hall in Itanagar.

 

Lt General KT Parnaik, Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, served as the chief guest for the event organised by the Department of Art & Culture under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs, SJETA Kento Jini, attended as the guest of honour.

 

The ceremony drew significant participation from students, bureaucrats, officers, and prominent political figures, including Capital MLA Techi Kaso, Itanagar Municipal Corporation Mayor Tamme Phassang, and Chief Secretary IAS Manish Gupta.

 

Two distinguished professors, Nabam Nakha Hina and Ashan Riddi, delivered memorial lectures examining Dr. Mookerjee's contributions to Indian politics and society. The Governor felicitated both speakers for their scholarly presentations.

 

Speaking to media representatives, Governor Parnaik emphasised Dr Mookerjee's dual role as an educator and humanitarian, particularly highlighting his service during the Bengal Famine of 1943. The Governor noted how Mookerjee's educational initiatives and relief work demonstrated his commitment to public service beyond political boundaries.

 

The event also marked the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, with Governor Parnaik extending official greetings. The Governor described the Dalai Lama as "a living embodiment of compassion, peace, and timeless wisdom" whose teachings have guided humanity toward righteousness and harmony.

 

Mayor Tamme Phassang reflected on the spiritual leader's connection to Arunachal Pradesh, noting that the Dalai Lama entered India through the state in 1959 and has since spread messages of peace and harmony through Buddhist teachings.