Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday urged people, especially the youth, to follow the ideals and principles of Bharat Kesari Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and dedicate themselves to nation-building and public service. Describing Mukherjee as a great patriot, eminent educationist, distinguished parliamentarian and visionary statesman, the Chief Minister said his life and thoughts continue to inspire generations to work selflessly for the country.
Saha was addressing a programme organised to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee at a seminar in Agartala. The Chief Minister said many great leaders had sacrificed their lives for the nation, but people were not adequately informed about their contributions for many years.
“Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi constantly emphasises the importance of the youth and believes they are the country's greatest strength. Keeping students' interests in mind, he has introduced several initiatives, including the Pariksha Pe Charcha programme, to help them face examinations with confidence.
The Prime Minister encourages young people to dream big because only those who dream can achieve great things. Today's students are the future of both our state and the nation,” Saha said. The Chief Minister said Shyama Prasad Mukherjee was an extraordinary personality who became the Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University at the age of just 33, making him the youngest person to hold the prestigious post.
“He was the worthy son of Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee. Although he could have chosen a comfortable life, he devoted himself to the service of the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has often said that his greatest strength is the youth of the country, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 35 or 40,” he said.
Saha said that with the support and participation of the youths, the Prime Minister is taking the country forward. “Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya were legendary personalities whose ideals continue to guide us. Every programme of our party begins with paying homage to Bharat Mata, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya because they showed us how to dedicate our lives to serving the nation,” he said.
Saha said India's cultural heritage is rich, vibrant and resilient, and every effort must be made to preserve and strengthen it for future generations. “Great personalities like Shyama Prasad Mukherjee have contributed immensely to the nation and shown us the right path. We can learn valuable lessons by studying their lives and ideals.
Through the Mann Ki Baat programme, the Prime Minister shares inspiring stories and important messages with the people, particularly the youth, strengthening their connection with the country's development journey It was also in response to the Prime Minister's initiative that June 21 came to be observed globally as the International Day of Yoga,” the Chief Minister added.
The programme was attended by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tripura unit president Abhishek Debroy, Rajya Sabha member Rajib Bhattacharjee, BJP state vice-president Tapas Bhattacharjee, BJP Yuva Morcha state president and MLA Sushanta Deb, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, besides several senior party leaders, elected representatives and party workers.