New Delhi

Union minister Nitin Gadkari paid tribute to Jansangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee on Monday and said that governments can eliminate individuals, but not their ideals.

He also asserted that nationalism remains the soul of the nation, and added that the BJP continues to draw inspiration from the ideals of Mookerjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and Atal Bihari Vajpayee while working towards the goal of Antyodaya, good governance and inclusive development.

Addressing a youth conclave marking the 125th birth anniversary of Mookerjee, Gadkari said India's history of the freedom struggle has been written through the sacrifices of countless patriots and that Mookerjee was among its most distinguished leaders.

"Any government can eliminate an individual or dismantle a system, but no one can destroy ideas. Dr Mookerjee's ideals are immortal," Gadkari said, citing the death of the Jan Sangh founder in June 1953.

He highlighted Mookerjee's contributions to education, industry and national development, while noting that he resigned from the Cabinet over issues of national importance.

Gadkari said that India has always respected all faiths and highlighted the government's efforts to develop the Buddhist Circuit connecting major sites associated with Gautama Buddha.

Emphasising inclusivity, he remarked, "The same reverence which we hold for Lord Shri Ram and Lord Shri Krishna, we also hold for Lord Mahavira and Gautama Buddha, because we believe that a person's greatness lies in his virtues. When people cannot convince others, they try to confuse them," he said.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra also attended the event.

It is a matter of great satisfaction that the India envisioned by Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee is taking shape and progressing every day, Gupta said in her address.

She recalled Mookerjee’s opposition to the separate flag and constitutional arrangements for Jammu and Kashmir and his famous call that one nation cannot have two heads, two constitutions or two flags.

Delhi BJP chief Malhotra said Mookerjee, born on July 6, was one of modern India's rare leaders who embodied intellect, scholarship and sacrifice.

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Born into the distinguished Mookerjee family of Kolkata, he was inspired by his father, Sir Ashutosh Mookerjee, popularly known as the "Tiger of Bengal," to dedicate himself to education, Malhotra said.