A new landmark is set to reshape Kolkata’s skyline, as plans are underway to construct a 125-foot-tall statue of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee to commemorate his 125th birth anniversary. Once completed, it will be the tallest statue of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder and former Union Minister in the country.
The announcement was made by State Minister Agnimitra Paul, who said the initiative aims to make the anniversary year of the prominent Bengali leader memorable. She also confirmed that the foundation stone for the project will be laid during a grand ceremony on July 5.
While the height and scale of the statue have been finalised, the exact location within Kolkata is yet to be determined. Administrative sources indicate that the site will be selected after multiple rounds of discussions and surveys involving officials from the Public Works Department and the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs.
However, Bhabanipur in South Kolkata has emerged as a strong contender. The locality, which houses Mookerjee’s ancestral home, is considered by many to be the most appropriate site given its deep historical and emotional connection to the leader. Sources within the state BJP have indicated that Bhabanipur and nearby areas are currently under active consideration.
In addition to the statue, the state government is planning a series of events throughout the year to mark Mookerjee’s 125th birth anniversary. Seminars, exhibitions, discussion forums, and cultural programmes are expected to be organised across the state under the aegis of the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs.
At present, the tallest statue of Mookerjee stands in Lucknow at ‘Rashtra Prerna Sthal’ in Uttar Pradesh. The 65-foot bronze statue was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was designed by noted sculptor Ram Sutar and his son Anil (Montu) Sutar. The proposed Kolkata statue, however, is set to significantly surpass this record, standing nearly twice as tall—roughly equivalent to a 12-storey building.
Experts have pointed out that constructing a structure of such magnitude will require extensive technical planning. Factors such as structural stability, wind resistance, earthquake resilience, and visitor infrastructure will need careful consideration. To address these challenges, the state government is expected to engage multiple specialist agencies for the project.
BJP leaders have emphasised that Mookerjee was not merely a political figure but a key proponent of nationalist ideology. The initiative, they say, is intended to familiarise younger generations with his contributions to education, politics, and national integration.
With preparations underway and anticipation building, all eyes are now on July 5, when the foundation stone will be laid, marking the beginning of what is expected to become one of Kolkata’s most prominent landmarks.
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