The Ministry of Culture, in association with the Government of West Bengal, will organise a special commemorative programme on tomorrow (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 will grace the programme as the Chief Guest. The event will also be 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 day’s programme will commence with floral tributes by the Chief Guest Shri Amit Shah and other dignitaries at the residence of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee in Bhawanipore, Kolkata. Thereafter, the Chief Guest will visit 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 his enduring contribution to the nation.

A special exhibition dedicated to the life and legacy of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee will also be inaugurated at Milan Mela Prangan. Through rare photographs, archival documents and immersive multimedia displays, the exhibition traces his personal journey, ideological vision, educational reforms, and his pivotal role in strengthening India’s democratic institutions and industrial development.

The commemorative programme at Milan Mela Prangan will feature the mass singing of Vande Mataram, followed by a grand musical tribute titled "Sur, Sanskriti evam Rashtra" by CCRT. The production will feature 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 celebrates Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee's enduring ideals of cultural nationalism, national integration, education and civilisational values. The musical ensemble is directed by Padma Shri Tarun Bhattacharya.

The programme will also include the screening of a short film depicting the life and contributions of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The programme will also witness the release of a special video showcasing the foundation stone laying of the proposed 125-foot statue 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.

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M Annadurai