Doctor Mukherji
There are epochs in lives of the Nations when all that is energetic turns to revolt. Now it is so with us. The post-war period in Indian history is a Renaissance of fire. Dr. Mukherji is one of the sparks that flashed from the political furnace. He is the apostle of a new faith that is to regenerate the proletariat.
He was born at Muzaffarpur, August 6th, 1893. His father Dr. Harishchandra Mukherji, M.D, was a physician of repute. The lad received his early education at the Gorakhpur High School. He eagerly devowed the contents of English literature.
At a very tender age he took to journalism. His contributions appeared in the first class Indian journals like the "Leader" and the Amrit Bazar. Says Sir Phillip Cribs, the celebrated journalist, "Ink is like drink. Once you are addicted to it you cannot give it up easily". This was indeed a truism in the case of Dr. Mukherji.
Once he wrote an article on "Slave Trade in Nepal" in the Amrit Bazar. He was arrested under Section 124-A, but later on discharged later on the grounds of being a minor. This is an evidence of the fervour and passion that stirred up his youthful bosom
In 1915 he took the Diploma of a Licentiate in Homeopathic Medicine. Then he joined the staff of Amrit Bazar and continued in that office for four years. He contributed to many articles of merit to Indian and foreign periodicals. Regarded as one of the best Homeopathic Physician in India his income rose to prodigious heights.
He was elected to the Gorakpur Municipality and was elected the Chairman of the Education Committee. He was also elected to the Uttar Pradesh Assembly defeating his opponent by an overwhelming majority. As a legislator his heart was set on the interests of the peasantry.
In 1921 India was in a state of ferment. A political tide was sweeping over the country. The tremors of the new revolution found an echo in Dr.Mukherji's heart. He participated in the non co-operation movement and was sentenced to three years imprisonment. After his release he organized the Uttar Pradesh Political Conference. In 1929 he was arrested in connection with the Meerut Conspiracy Case. He was confined in the prison as a detune for three years and four months.
As a prisoner his spirit remained unbroken. The treatment accorded to the volunteers in the Meerut Jail was very humiliating. Dr. Mukherji took up their cause by undertaking a strike for twenty one days. He gave up he fast at the request of Pandit Pearelal Sharma and Moulana Abdul Kalam Azad.
Dr. Mukherji is an outstanding labor leader. He is one of the founders of the B & N.W Railway men's Associaiton. He has done enduring service to the cause of Trade Unionization. He is one of the founders of the All India Railway men's Federation. From 1925-29 he was the Vice President of this institution.
He is a Socialist by temperament and is opposed to Fascism and all other forms of individual dictatorship. He is the idol of the working classes. He is the man to whom they turn in a crisis. He has a claim to the sympathy of the peasants. Once the Zamindars unleashed their hounds on him. He was seriously bitten and was laid up in bed for six months
Above the success of this man stands out his character. His primary characteristic is his gift of sympathy. He is a generous giver of charities. The major portion of his income is distributed among the poor. His next quality is his moral courage. As an accused in the conspiracy case he displayed firmness and personal bravery.
Source: Haripura Congress Souvenir, 1938
