Syama Prasad Mookerjee

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Biography

Syama Prasad Mookerjee was an Indian politician and founder of nationalist Bharatiya Jana Sangh. He served as Minister for Industry and Supply in Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's cabinet. He was a member of Indian National Congress then. But in 1951, he quit Congress and founded the nationalist Bharatiya Jana Sangh party in 1951. Mookerjee was widely respected by many Indians including leading members of Indian National Congress.

Mukherjee was born in a Bengali Hindu family on 6 July 1901 in Kolkata as the son of Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee, a well-respected advocate in Bengal. He was also the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta. His mother was Lady Jogmaya Devi Mookerjee. Mukherjee was grown up as an introvert, emotional and reflective person. He was seriously affected by the early death of his wife Sudha Devi and never remarried. They were married for 11 years and had 5 children. His graduation and post-graduation were completed at University of Kolkata.  He completed Bachelor of law in 1923 and enrolled as an advocate in Calcutta High Court in 1924 soon after his father’s death. He sailed to England in 1926 to study at Lincoln's Inn and became a barrister in 1927. He became the youngest Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta at the age of 33. He took charge in 1934 and held the post till 1938.

His political journey started in the year 1929 when he joined the Bengal Legislative Council as a Congress candidate representing Calcutta University. He was elected as member of the Legislative Council of Bengal, as an Indian National Congress candidate. He was a member of Hindu Mahasabha and never restricted to Hindus alone. After independence, he became a member of Nehru’s cabinet, but after falling out with Nehru, Mookerjee quit the Indian National Congress. Dr. Mookerjee went to visit Kashmir in 1953, but was permitted to enter.  He was arrested on 11 May while crossing border into Kashmir. He was found dead on 23 June 1953 under mysterious circumstances.

Published: N/A

Updated: January 21, 2014