New Delhi, June 22: “I will either bring you the Indian Constitution or sacrifice my life for this purpose.” This declaration by Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee at a massive rally in Jammu and Kashmir in 1952 was more than just a political statement; it became a solemn vow that defined his life.
A year later, on June 23, 1953, he died under mysterious circumstances in a prison in Srinagar. His death immortalized the idea dedicated to India’s unity and integrity.
Born on July 6, 1901, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), Dr. Mukherjee hailed from a family where education and national service were paramount. His father, Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee, was a renowned educator and intellectual in Bengal.
After completing his higher education at Calcutta University, he became a member of the university senate in 1923. He earned his barrister degree from Lincoln’s Inn in England and achieved success in law. However, his most notable academic contribution came when he became the Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University at just 33 years old, making him one of the youngest vice-chancellors in the world. During his tenure, he implemented significant reforms and modernized the educational approach.
Dr. Mukherjee’s political career was equally impressive. He held several important positions, from the Bengal Legislative Council to the interim government. India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, appointed him as the Minister of Industry and Supply. However, he resigned from the cabinet in 1950 in protest against the Nehru-Liaquat Pact, believing the government’s stance on national interests and refugee rights was insufficiently firm.
During this period, he founded the Bharatiya Janata Sangh on October 21, 1951, after discussions with Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar, the then chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. This organization later became a significant force in Indian politics, evolving into the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The most critical chapter of Dr. Mukherjee’s political life is linked to Jammu and Kashmir. He openly opposed the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir post-independence, which included a separate constitution, flag, and governance. He believed this arrangement posed a long-term challenge to India’s national unity. His famous slogan, “One nation cannot have two laws, two heads, and two flags,” continues to resonate in Indian political history.
He campaigned against Article 370 and the permit system, which required Indian citizens to obtain special permission to enter Jammu and Kashmir. Dr. Mukherjee viewed this as a violation of Indian citizens’ rights. On May 11, 1953, he decided to enter Jammu and Kashmir without a permit. Upon crossing the border, he was arrested and detained.
Approximately a month and a half later, on June 23, 1953, he died in custody. While officials cited illness as the cause, many questions arose regarding his death. His mother, Yogmaya Devi, called for an independent investigation.
Dr. Mukherjee’s death shocked the nation. Following widespread public pressure, the permit system in Jammu and Kashmir was abolished. His martyrdom is considered a pivotal moment in the struggle for national integration.
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