THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Raj Bhavan commemorated the 125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the visionary founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, with a special event held on Monday. The keynote address was delivered by J Nandakumar, National Coordinator of Prajna Pravah, who portrayed Mookerjee as a timeless symbol of enduring ideals rather than just a historical figure. During his speech, Nandakumar emphasized the continued relevance of Mookerjee's vision in shaping contemporary government policies. He cited landmark initiatives such as the National Education Policy, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and the Citizenship (Amendment) Act as modern embodiments of Mookerjee’s ideological legacy. "Syama Prasad Mookerjee viewed nationality not as a mere mechanical construct but as a manifestation of cultural identity," Nandakumar explained. "He championed cultural nationalism over territorial nationalism," drawing insightful parallels between Mookerjee’s philosophy and the principles of nationalism advocated by Adi Sankara. Echoing these sentiments, Governor Rajendra Arlekar underscored the vital role of every citizen in nation-building, anchored in 'Chira Rastravad'—the enduring conviction that India’s true identity is deeply rooted in its rich cultural heritage.