Remembering the Emergency: A Call to Preserve Democratic Values
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar urges today's youth to remember the 1975 Emergency, labeling it a dark chapter in India's democracy. Speaking at Kumaun University's jubilee, he stressed learning from the past to prevent repeats and highlighted dissenters like Justice HR Khanna for their bravery.
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In commemorating 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas,' marking 50 years since the 1975 Emergency, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar urged young Indians not to forget this 'darkest period' in the nation's democratic history. Speaking as the chief guest at Kumaun University's Golden Jubilee in Nainital, Dhankhar emphasized the importance of remembering those accountable for undermining the Constitution.
He remarked, 'Young people cannot forget or afford not to learn about that darkest period (Emergency).' The government has designated the day to ensure such events never recur, focusing on educating about those who compromised human rights and constitutional values.
Dhankhar praised Justice HR Khanna's dissent during the Emergency as a beacon of courage, recounting how even a U.S. newspaper foresaw a monument for Khanna if democracy was restored. Recalling the events commencing June 25, 1975, Dhankhar described the Emergency as an attempt to destabilize democracy, criticizing the sidelining of the Cabinet and the actions of then-leaders that led to a tumultuous 21-month period.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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