New Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute to Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary, saying he dedicated his life to the cause of India's unity, dignity and progress.

In a post on X, Modi described Mookerjee as one of India's foremost nation-builders whose life was defined by scholarship, courage and an unwavering commitment to national service.

"Today, on the 125th Jayanti of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, I bow to one of India's most remarkable nation-builders... He dedicated himself to the cause of India's unity, dignity and progress," Modi said.

The prime minister said Mookerjee's contributions spanned several fields and described him as an outstanding thinker and educationist who championed innovation and forward-looking learning.

He said that as India's first industry minister, Mookerjee laid the foundations of industrial self-reliance while ensuring the growth of traditional sectors and livelihoods.

Mookerjee's humanitarian efforts during the Bengal Famine reflected his profound compassion for those in distress, and above all, his steadfast commitment to the unity and integrity of India remains an enduring source of inspiration, the prime minister said.

"As we move forward in our journey towards a Viksit Bharat, his vision continues to illuminate our path," he said.

The Bharatiya Jana Sangh was the precursor to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Born on July 6, 1901, Mookerjee died in detention in Srinagar on June 23, 1953.

He had campaigned for the full integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India by seeking the abrogation of Article 370, which was revoked by the Modi government on August 5, 2019.