New Delhi, July 6 (IANS). Union Home Minister Amit Shah will preside over a special commemorative event in Kolkata on Monday as part of the official celebrations of two years of the 125th birth anniversary of ‘Bharat Kesari’ Syama Prasad Mukherjee.
The culture ministry, in collaboration with the West Bengal government, will organize a special commemorative event at the Milan Mela grounds in Kolkata, the official said in a statement.
Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Chief Secretary Manoj Aggarwal, Culture Ministry Secretary Vivek Aggarwal and other distinguished dignitaries will also be present in this program.
The Culture Ministry had announced two-year nationwide celebrations to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mukherjee in 2025.
The ceremony honors the indelible legacy of Bharat Kesari Syama Prasad Mukherjee, whose contributions significantly shaped the political, cultural, educational and industrial landscape of India.
The program will begin at the Milan Mela premises with Home Minister Amit Shah and other dignitaries paying floral tributes at the residence of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee in Bhawanipur, Kolkata.
After this, Home Minister Shah will visit Eco Park and perform Bhoomi Pujan and lay the foundation stone of the proposed 125 feet tall statue of Syama Prasad Mukherjee. This statue is a historic initiative towards honoring his indelible contribution towards the nation.
A special exhibition dedicated to the life and legacy of Mukherjee will also be inaugurated in the Milan Mela premises. Through rare photographs, archival documents and fascinating multimedia exhibits, the exhibition traces his personal journey, ideological vision, educational reforms and his important role in strengthening India’s democratic institutions and industrial development.
The commemorative program held at the Milan Mela premises will feature mass singing of Vande Mataram, followed by a grand musical tribute titled “Sur, Sanskriti aur Rashtra” presented by the Center for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT).
The presentation will feature 57 accomplished artistes representing diverse streams of Indian classical, folk and traditional music, reflecting India’s rich cultural heritage and spirit of unity, the statement said.
Conceived as a musical extravaganza, the program celebrates Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee’s enduring ideals of cultural nationalism, national integration, education and civilizational values. It has been told in the program that this musical group is being directed by Padma Shri Tarun Bhattacharya.
The event will also include the screening of a short film depicting the life and contributions of Mukherjee. Besides, a special video of laying the foundation stone of the proposed 125 feet tall statue of Mukherjee will also be released in this programme.
The Culture Ministry said the two-year-long nationwide commemoration reflects the Government of India’s commitment to preserve and promote the enduring legacy of one of the country’s foremost nation builders, who inspired present and future generations through his ideals of nationalism, public service and unwavering dedication to India’s unity and progress.
–IANS
SAK/AS