PM Modi stresses on democracy; recalls dark period of emergency

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a riveting and resounding call to India’s youth to understand and appreciate the value of democracy during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio address. Recalling the Emergency declared in 1975 by the then Congress-led government, PM Modi termed it a “dark period” in the nation’s history. By revisiting these challenging times, Modi intends to foster a more profound understanding of democratic principles among the young generation.
The next week on 25 June, the country will recount the horrors of emergency which serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of democratic values of our founding fathers. It’s important to remember that the country is dotted with such instances which serve as a example of the corruption influence of power when Indira Gandhi declared emergency .
Expressing a solemn reverence for democratic ideals, Modi emphasised their paramount importance to the nation, declaring India as the “mother of democracy” and upholding the sanctity of the Constitution. He underscored the gravity of the events that unfolded on June 25th, when the Emergency was declared, marking it as a pivotal chapter in India’s democratic journey.
The Prime Minister detailed the immense struggles faced by democracy’s defenders during that epoch. Countless Indians, he shared, opposed the Emergency with unwavering resolve, facing tremendous torture. The atrocities committed during this time have been documented in several books, one of which, “Sangharsh Mein Gujarat”, was authored by Modi himself.
Another book Modi mentioned was “Torture of Political Prisoners in India,” which unearths the cruel treatment meted out to democracy’s guardians during the Emergency.
Modi believes that these narratives serve as essential case studies for today’s youth, educating them about the potential threats to their country’s freedom.
Modi’s impassioned plea comes at a time when India celebrates ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, an initiative marking 75 years of India’s independence. As part of these celebrations, the Prime Minister encouraged the nation to reflect upon the grave offences committed during the Emergency, thereby enabling a richer understanding of the significance of democracy.
Modi’s address was not limited to the past. He also shared insights about his upcoming visit to the United States. During this trip, he will participate in the International Yoga Day program at the United Nations headquarters in New York. In line with this, he urged all Indians to embrace Yoga in their daily routines.
Adding a note of historical reverence, Modi paid homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Drawing attention to Shivaji’s governance and management skills, particularly in water management and the navy, he praised the robust sea forts built under Shivaji’s reign which stand strong even today.
The Prime Minister’s address also included an ambitious public health announcement. He outlined India’s commitment to create a Tuberculosis (TB)-free nation by 2025, acknowledging the commendable efforts of ‘Ni-kshay Mitras’ in this fight against TB.
Dwelling upon environmental concerns, PM Modi also appreciated the adoption of the Miyawaki technique, a Japanese method of creating dense, mini-forests, across different parts of India. He noted how these forests, once established, could become biodiversity hotspots within two to three decades.
In his closing remarks, PM Modi touched upon the current developments in Jammu and Kashmir, the ongoing ‘G-20’ events, and the inspiring story of dairy farming becoming a symbol of the new white revolution in Baramulla district.
Lastly, he imparted a heartfelt message of maintaining a balanced diet, practising yoga, and completing homework on time, as many schools will soon end their summer vacations.
The Prime Minister’s radio address was not just a reflection on a dark period in India’s history but an opportunity to inspire the younger generation to value the democracy they enjoy today. His powerful words served as a reminder that understanding our past and taking on current challenges with zeal is the key to building a vibrant and prosperous India.