Mann Ki Baat: Emergency Was Black Day For India's History, Says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again recalled the phase of Emergency in India, during his 'Mann Ki Baat' address and said it was a black spot on India's vibrant democracy.

Noting that the program is usually aired on the last Sunday of each month, PM Modi said, "This time it is happening a week earlier. As you all know, I will be in America next week and the schedule there is going to be very busy.

Remembering the days of emergency, PM Modi said, "India is the mother of democracy. We consider our democratic ideals to be supreme, our Constitution supreme, therefore, we can never forget 25th June. This is the day when emergency was imposed on our country."

"It was a dark period in India's history. Millions of people opposed the Emergency with full force. The supporters of democracy were tortured so much during that time that even today, the mind is shaken," he added.

PM Modi also lauded India's increasing capability to deal with natural disasters as he expressed confidence that the people of Kutch will quickly recover from the devastation caused by cyclone Biparjoy.

The prime minister said after the devastating earthquake two decades ago, people had expressed doubts on whether Kutch will be able to recover from the destruction.

But the people of Kutch recovered from the disaster, he said.

Modi also said that in the last few years, India's disaster management capability has increased and it is becoming an example.

Cyclone Biparjoy made landfall near Jakhau on Thursday evening, leaving a trail of destruction in Kutch and Saurashtra regions of Gujarat.

The prime minister said this time he is holding his 'Mann ki Baat' radio broadcast on June 18 instead of last Sunday of the month as he will be travelling to the United States next week.

Modi said during his visit, he will get an opportunity to participate in the International Yoga Day programme at the UN headquarters in New York.

"I appeal to all of you to adopt yoga in your life and make it part of daily routine," the prime minister said.