Excerpts
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Dec 1, 1940
convocation address at Benares Hindu University
A good deal of confusion prevails today about the ethical doctrine of Ahimsa. There is no doubt Ahimsa is one of the cardinal virtues taught by Indian thinkers of all denominations throughout the ages. Dharma consists in Ahimsa, proclaims the Mahabharat. “Ahimsa confers immortality”, declares the Code of Manu. The doctrine of Ahimsa is a necessary corollary to the Hindu belief that the supreme spirit pervades the universe, that everything is strung on the Blessed Lord as rows of gems upon a thread, and that welfare of all beings is a sacred duty. Ahimsa doubtless implies abstention from selfish and aggressive violence.
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Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookherjee
Indian Educator, Humanist and Politician
"If we are to live and grow as a university, one of whose paramount tasks is to not only leaders of thought and action but also workers dedicated to the service of the nation, we cannot sit idle with philosophic concern and let things drift as they may. So far as we are concerned, it is for us to set our house in order. It is for us, and specially the younger generation, Hindus, Moslems and Christians alike, to combine and resolutely stand for the permanent well-being of our province and to rescue her from the deadly stagnation which now seems to envelop her."
Speech delivered at Calcutta University Convocation on 2nd March1935.
Whatever work you undertake, do it seriously, thoroughly and well; never
leave it half-done or undone, never feel yourself satisfied unless and until
you have given it your very best. Cultivate the habits of discipline and
toleration. Surrender not the convictions you hold dear but learn to
appreciate the points of view of your opponents.
Speech delivered at Scottish Church College, Kolkata on 7th December
1935.
INTRODUCTION
Syama Prasad Mookerjee (or Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, ) (July 6, 1901 - June 23, 1953) was a nationalist political leader of India, and is considered the godfather of modern Hindutva and Hindu Nationalism. Mookerjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the first Hindu nationalist political party of its kind, and was also the leader of the Hindu Mahasabha and closely associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.