Itanagar, Jun 23: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Arunachal Pradesh, on Tuesday observed Balidan Diwas to commemorate the sacrifice and legacy of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, remembering his contributions to national unity, education and public service.
The programme was attended by Arunachal Pradesh BJP president Kaling Moyong, former minister Dr Tangor Tapak, ministers, MLAs, the Mayor of Itanagar Municipal Corporation, state office-bearers, Morcha leaders, senior party functionaries and party karyakartas.
Paying floral tributes to the visionary leader, speakers recalled Dr Mukherjee’s unparalleled contribution to nation-building and his advocacy for the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the Indian Union. They said his sacrifice in 1953 remains a significant chapter in the country’s democratic history.
The leaders highlighted Dr Mukherjee’s call for “Ek Desh, Ek Samvidhan, Ek Nishan,” stating that he consistently championed national unity, constitutional integrity and cultural nationalism.
Addressing the gathering, BJP state president Kaling Moyong said Dr Mukherjee’s life reflected courage, patriotism and selfless service. He urged party workers to draw inspiration from his ideals and dedicate themselves to serving society with honesty and commitment.
Moyong also said that the vision of a strong and developed India envisioned by Dr Mukherjee is being advanced under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During the programme, Moyong expressed gratitude to newly elected Rajya Sabha MP Tai Tagak and Arunachal Pradesh Forest Corporation Limited (APFCL) Chairman Nalong Mize for donating one month's honorarium to the party. He also thanked Home Minister Mama Natung for donating a vehicle to strengthen the party’s organisational activities and outreach programmes.
Former minister Dr Tangor Tapak spoke on Dr Mukherjee’s contributions as a scholar, parliamentarian and educationist, noting that he became the youngest Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta at the age of 33.
The speakers said Balidan Diwas serves as a reminder of the values of nationalism, good governance, social harmony and public service. They called upon the youth to study Dr Mukherjee’s life and contribute actively to nation-building.
The programme concluded with floral tributes and a collective pledge by party leaders and workers to uphold Dr Mukherjee’s ideals and work towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat founded on unity, integrity and national pride.