Rajendra Nath Mookerjee

Rajendra Nath Mookerjee was born on 23 June, 1854, in Calcutta, British India, to a prominent Bengali family. Growing up in an atmosphere steeped in intellectual pursuits, Mookerjee displayed exceptional academic prowess from a young age. He pursued higher education at Presidency College, Calcutta, where his keen interest in law and politics began to flourish.

In 1910, Mookerjee earned his law degree from the University of Calcutta and embarked on a successful legal career. However, his true calling lay in politics, and he soon became involved in the Indian independence movement. Inspired by leaders like Surendranath Banerjee and Aurobindo Ghosh, Mookerjee joined the Indian National Congress and dedicated himself to the cause of freedom from British rule.

Mookerjee continued to rise in fame. Coming from the same background, he had a strong grasp of the technical aspects as well. Despite displaying great ability, Mookerjee felt that he was marginalized in some places for being a native and competing with foreign farms. So, he established his own farm. Initially lacking the necessary capital, he accepted an offer to partner with Sir Thomas Acquin Martin in the renowned Martin and Company in the 1890s.

Construction of Victoria Memorial done by Martin & Co.

But Victoria Memorial remains the company’s grandest project. Martin & Co. was originally only supposed to build the foundations, but their work was so impressive that they were given the task of building the entire monument. The Victoria Memorial is what got Sir Rajen his knighthood. It cost 7,000,000 Rupees to build and used some 200,000 cubic feet of marble. Martin & Co. set up stone quarries in Makrana in Rajasthan to procure this marble. Sir Mookerjee as an engineer himself transformed an imaginary structure into real one by using all safety aspects within efficient cost and time. Counted among the best entertainment spots on the riverside in Kolkata, Outram Ghat holds a charm of its own. Built during British Raj and lies to the south of Babughat.The Elegant pavilion for Outram Ghat, was also built by Burn & Co, in 1909.

Mookerjee’s political career reached new heights when he was elected to the Bengal Legislative Council in 1929. Known for his eloquence and commitment to social reform, he quickly rose through the ranks of the Congress party. In 1937, he became the Finance Minister of Bengal, where he implemented several progressive policies aimed at uplifting the marginalized sections of society.

Along with Sir Thomas Acquin Martin, he founded Martin & Co. and contributed to the success of Bengal Iron at Kulti. Undertaken Burn & Company, and Jessop after his company’s huge success.

Today’s Martin Burn Limited is a leading Real Estate Development firm based in Kolkata. It was founded in 1946 as a result of a merger of two civil engineering company i.e. Martin & Co. and Burn & Co.

However, Mookerjee’s vision extended beyond provincial politics. He envisioned a united India, free from British colonialism and religious discord. In 1941, he played a pivotal role in the formation of the Hindu Mahasabha, advocating for the rights of Hindus in a predominantly Muslim India.

Construction of Esplanade Mansion done by Martin & Co.

Despite facing opposition from various quarters, Mookerjee remained steadfast in his beliefs. He continued to champion the cause of Indian nationalism until his untimely death on September 6, 1950. His legacy lives on as a symbol of unwavering dedication to the ideals of freedom and unity.

Mookerjee’s first venture was in the textile industry, where he revolutionized production techniques and introduced modern machinery. His commitment to quality and efficiency propelled his textile mills to unprecedented success, earning him accolades as a visionary industrialist.

Memorial Plaque of Rajendra Nath Mookerjee, Keoratala, Kolkata

Undeterred by challenges, Mookerjee diversified into other sectors, including shipping and finance. His ventures flourished, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a deep understanding of market dynamics.

However, Mookerjee’s greatest legacy lies in his philanthropic endeavours. Recognizing the importance of giving back to society, he established schools, hospitals, and charitable institutions, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.

Rajendra Nath Mookerjee’s first Major projects were the IISCO steel plant in Burnpur, which was the second oldest steel plant after the Tatanagar Steel Plant In Jamshedpur.

Through his business acumen and humanitarian efforts, Rajendra Nath Mookerjee not only transformed industries but also touched the hearts of generations to come, embodying the true essence of entrepreneurship with a conscience.

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