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Key Points

VP Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized the importance of remembering the 1975 Emergency as India’s darkest democratic period during a university event. He praised Justice HR Khanna’s lone dissent against constitutional violations under Indira Gandhi’s rule. The government has declared June 25 as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ to commemorate the Emergency’s 50th anniversary. Dhankhar warned youth against forgetting this turbulent chapter in India’s history.

Key Points: VP Dhankhar Warns Youth Against Forgetting 1975 Emergency Darkest Period

  • VP Dhankhar calls Emergency democracy’s darkest phase
  • Honors Justice HR Khanna’s historic dissent
  • Criticizes Indira Gandhi’s constitutional overreach
  • Govt declares June 25 as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas
2 min read

Young cannot afford to forget darkest period of democracy, says VP Dhankhar on 50th anniversary of Emergency

VP Dhankhar marks Emergency’s 50th anniversary, urges youth to remember constitutional violations and honors Justice HR Khanna’s dissent.

"Young people cannot forget or afford not to learn about that darkest period (Emergency) – VP Jagdeep Dhankhar"

Nainital, June 25

As BJP is observing 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' to mark 50 years of the 1975 Emergency, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said that young people cannot afford to forget the "darkest period" of Indian democracy and emphasised the need to remember those responsible for undermining the Constitution and democratic values.

The Vice President made these remarks while speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Kumaun University in Uttarakhand's Nainital, where he was present as the Chief Guest.

"...Young people cannot forget or afford not to learn about that darkest period (Emergency). Very thoughtfully, the government of the day decided that this day would be celebrated as 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas'. The celebration will be - that it (Emergency) will never happen again. The celebration will be about knowing about those guilty people who allowed such transgressions of humanity's rights and the spirit of the Constitution. Who they were, why they did...", he said.

Vice President Dhankhar recalled the dissenting voice of Justice HR Khanna during that time, stating, "In the Supreme Court at the time, one judge, HR Khanna, had dissented. A leading newspaper in the US had remarked that if ever democracy returns to 'Bharat', a monument will surely be built for HR Khanna, who held his ground."

Reflecting on the events of June 25, 1975, Dhankhar said, "Fifty years ago on this day, the world's oldest, the largest and now the most vibrant democracy went through a difficult air pocket, unexpected headwinds, nothing short of an earthquake aimed to destroy our democracy. It was the imposition of Emergency."

He further said, "When the night was dark, the Cabinet was sidelined. The then beleaguered Prime Minister, facing an adverse High Court order, yielded to personal gain, ignoring the entire nation. The then President trampled constitutionalism and signed declaration of Emergency. What followed was a 21-month turbulent period for our democracy. We had the occasion to see the darkest period in the history of our democracy."

The Indira Gandhi government had imposed the Emergency on June 25, 1975. The day is observed by the government as 'Samvidhan Hatya Divas'.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
The Emergency was indeed a black chapter in our democracy. Young Indians must learn about this period so we never repeat such mistakes. Justice Khanna's courage should be taught in schools as an example of upholding constitutional values. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
While we must remember history, I hope this isn't turned into political point-scoring. All parties should commit to protecting democracy, not just talk about past mistakes. The real tribute would be strengthening democratic institutions today.
A
Arjun S.
My grandfather was jailed during Emergency for writing against the government. He says even today we must remain vigilant - democracy isn't guaranteed, it needs constant protection from all citizens. Salute to all who resisted that dark time!
N
Neha T.
The VP is right about remembering history, but I wish he'd also spoken about current threats to democracy - like media freedom and opposition voices being silenced. We need balanced discussions, not one-sided lectures. 🤔
S
Sanjay R.
Emergency anniversary should make us think - how strong are our safeguards today? The Constitution survived that test, but we must keep strengthening it. More power to states, more judicial independence, more press freedom - that's the real lesson.
M
Meena P.
As someone born after Emergency, I appreciate these reminders. But can we have more than just speeches? Maybe include this period in detail in our textbooks and have memorials for the victims? Actions speak louder than words.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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