Dr Sanat Mukherjee, a devoted philanthropist, was born into a Zamindar family in October 1898. His father, Dr Bonowoarilal Mukherjee, served as the family physician for the royal family of Krishnanagar, while his mother, Santa Kumari Devi, instilled in him the values of discipline. He began his primary education in Krishnanagar, where he lived with his parents. In 1915, he completed his Matriculation from Krishnanagar A. V. High School, followed by successfully passing the Intermediate Examination in 1917 from Bangobasi College. Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy recommended that he enrol in Calcutta Medical College, where he obtained his MB Degree in 1923.
Inspired by the Gandhian Philosophy, Dr Sanat Mukherjee actively participated in campaigns against British rule, striving for India's freedom. In 1930, he wholeheartedly joined Gandhiji's Civil Disobedience Movement and was imprisoned for one and a half years. Initially sent to Hooghly Jail, he was later transferred to Alipore Jail and eventually to Dumdum Jail. In 1942, he once again joined the "Quit India Movement" and was imprisoned for a year, but the spirit of him and his comrades remained unbroken despite the British authorities' attempts to suppress them.
Sanat became a member of the Local Board and later the District Board. His contributions were recognized when he was awarded a Tamra Patra by the Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, in 1972, as a tribute to freedom fighters.
Dr Sanat Mukherjee passed away on 19 February 1978.
Shaheed Sthal,
Port Blair
Tamra Patra awarded to Dr. Sanat Mukherjee by Government of India in 1972
Source: Subhadip Pal, Contributor for CCRT