India Emergency 1975 anniversary: Shekhawat urges reflection on democracy and the Constitution

Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the 1975 Emergency anniversary is a moment to reflect on the price and strength of democracy, freedom, and the Constitution. At a Ministry of Culture event marking Samvidhan Hatya Diwas, he stressed that democracy includes free expression, dissent, a free media, citizen dignity, and constitutional supremacy.

Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Thursday said the Emergency later became a moment for reflection. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said it helped people understand the value and cost of democracy. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat spoke at a Ministry of Culture event. The programme marked the anniversary of the 1975 Emergency.

The Emergency was imposed by the then Indira Gandhi government. It lasted from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977. The ministry said it marked Samvidhan Hatya Diwas through a special programme. The Centre for Cultural Resources and Training CCRT organised it. CCRT is an autonomous body under the ministry.

Emergency anniversary event and democracy

At the gathering, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat described democracy as more than voting. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said it also includes free speech and the right to dissent. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also listed a free media and citizen dignity. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat added that the Constitution must remain supreme.

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the Union minister of culture and tourism, said democracy is in India’s DNA. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the event also honoured unsung heroes of freedom. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the day showed India’s democratic endurance. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat noted India has faced many challenges over the years.

Emergency programme and Samvidhan Hatya Diwas ceremony

The ministry said the programme took place at the CCRT campus. Union Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal attended the event. President, IGNCA, Ram Bahadur Rai was also present. The ministry statement listed other attendees as well. The programme formed part of the ministry’s commemoration activities.

During the ceremony, the ministry said veteran freedom fighters were recognised. Sheshrao Laxmanrao Khot and Yeddula Suryanarayana Reddy were honoured. Family members joined them during the recognition. The ministry said the honour was for their contributions to the nation. The ceremony was part of the Samvidhan Hatya Diwas programme.

With inputs from PTI