Kolkata: The state govt has decided to introduce the contributions and legacy of Syama Prasad Mookerjee in school and university syllabi from the next academic session as part of a year-long programme to acquaint the younger generation with his role in the formation of Bengal and the development of independent India.The decision was taken on Thursday at the first meeting of a high-level committee constituted to commemorate Mookerjee’s historical contribution, nationalist philosophy and patriotism.After chairing the meeting, CM Suvendu Adhikari said: “It was decided that the school education department will gradually include Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s contribution to the country and the state, his role as independent India’s first industry and education minister, his economic vision and constructive approach in the syllabus in detail from the school level to universities from the next academic year.”The committee has also cleared the proposal to install a 125-ft statue of Mookerjee at Eco Park. Land has already been identified, and the foundation stone has been laid.At Jirat in Hooghly, where Mookerjee’s ancestral home stands, the state govt has purchased 30 decimals of land for two projects. “A modern library named after Sir Asutosh Mookerjee and a museum will be developed there,” CM stated.As part of the year-long programme, the govt also plans to publish two books on Syama Prasad Mookerjee. A manuscript prepared at the initiative of former Governor Tathagata Roy, with assistance from an institution associated with the Ramakrishna Mission, will be printed and published jointly as a govt initiative.Department of mass education extension and library services has been designated as the nodal agency for bringing out a comprehensive publication in Bengali and English.Information and cultural affairs department will launch a digital portal to invite suggestions and proposals from the public, researchers, historians and social and cultural organisations.According to the CM, the initiative seeks to recall Mookerjee’s contributions to the freedom movement, the creation of West Bengal, Kashmir policy and the development of infrastructure in independent India, as well as his patriotism and nationalism.“We believe that highlighting his legacy will help inspire the younger generation towards the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ by 2047,” the CM said.
