Book launch event in New Delhi
Health Minister JP Nadda unveiled a new book featuring the collected speeches of eminent mathematician and educator Sir Ashutosh Mookerjee at a ceremony in New Delhi on June 30, 2026. The event was attended by academicians, historians, and government officials.
Content of the book
The book, titled "Speeches of Ashutosh Mookerjee," compiles his addresses delivered between 1904 and 1924, covering topics such as the importance of scientific education, the role of universities in nation-building, and his vision for modern India. According to the publisher, the volume includes over 40 speeches, many of which are being published for the first time.
Significance of Mookerjee's legacy
Sir Ashutosh Mookerjee (1864–1924) was a pioneering mathematician and vice-chancellor of the University of Calcutta, credited with transforming higher education in Bengal. Nadda remarked that Mookerjee's ideas remain relevant today, especially in promoting STEM education. The minister stated, "His speeches inspire us to prioritize knowledge and research for national progress."
Reactions from attendees
Several scholars praised the initiative. Professor Sunil Sen, a historian at Delhi University, said, "This collection is a valuable resource for understanding early 20th-century educational reforms." The event also highlighted Mookerjee's role in founding institutions like the Indian Science Congress Association.
Availability and distribution
The book is published by the National Book Trust and will be distributed to libraries and educational institutions across India. It is also available for purchase at a price of ₹450. The release coincides with the 100th death anniversary of Mookerjee, observed in 2024.
