Page 10 - NIS English 01-15 Aug, 2026
P. 10
SPECIAL | PM’s Article
Scan the QR code to read
the Prime Minister’s article.
worked to establish with a clear vision of self-re- years ago, brought in the 42nd Amendment Act,
liance, was ignored by those who ran the nation which again struck at the core of liberal demo-
for several decades. I feel honoured that our cratic values.
Government had the opportunity to contribute Dr. Mookerjee also stood out for his humanitarian
to its revival. It was indeed among the most efforts. When the most tragic famine struck Bengal
special moments to have been there for that in 1943, Dr. Mookerjee immersed himself in serving
programme. those affected. He ensured that several canteens
India’s civilisational tradition has long cele- and relief centres were opened to feed people. On
brated dialogue and discussions. Dr. Mookerjee one hand, he was deeply shaken by the plight of his
embodied this democratic spirit. He joined people while on the other, he was repulsed by the
Pandit Nehru’s Cabinet, believing that the task insensitivity of the colonial rulers. He even wrote a
of nation-building in the early years transcended book, Panchasher Manwantar, in which he expressed
political differences. He served with sincerity and his angst. When a super cyclone hit Medinipur in 1942,
a constructive spirit. But when he felt that ques- his efforts to restore normalcy were widely lauded.
tions of national importance demanded a differ- Speaking at a college in Kolkata, Dr. Mookerjee
ent course, he relinquished office with dignity urged the youth, “Whatever work you undertake,
and devoted himself wholeheartedly to the politi- do it seriously, thoroughly and well; never leave it
cal work he believed the nation required. half-done or undone, never feel yourself satisfied
75 years ago, Pandit Nehru brought the First unless and until you have given it your very best.” As
Amendment, which was a direct assault on free India advances towards the goal of a Viksit Bharat,
speech. Dr. Mookerjee was among its staunchest the finest tribute we can pay him is to strive every day
critics. He understood fully what the Congress to build the strong, united, self-confident and com-
was capable of doing. And he was proven right. passionate India that he so deeply believed in. And
Those who brought the First Amendment 75 knowing today’s youth, I am certain they will rise to
years ago imposed the Emergency in 1975 and 50 the occasion and do exactly that. n
8 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || Aug 01-15, 2026
