Vice President Calls 1975 Emergency an Earthquake for Democracy
On the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Emergency, Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar delivered a stirring address at Kumaon University, Nainital. He referred to the Emergency as an “earthquake to destroy democracy”, highlighting its grave impact on India’s constitutional and democratic fabric.
Remembering India’s Darkest Hour
Speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebration of the university, the Vice President recalled how the declaration of Emergency on June 25, 1975, suspended the very foundations of the Indian Republic.
“The night was dark, the Cabinet was sidelined, and the Constitution was trampled,” said Dhankhar.
He criticized how the then leadership, facing a judicial challenge, declared Emergency for personal and political gain, sidelining democratic institutions.
1.4 Lakh Detained, Judiciary Silenced
During his address, Dhankhar mentioned that over 1.4 lakh citizens were imprisoned during Emergency without access to justice.
While nine High Courts stood firm to protect Fundamental Rights, the Supreme Court shockingly overturned those rulings. It held that Emergency declarations were beyond judicial review, and citizens had no enforceable rights during that period.
He called this a major setback for the people of India, and a moment where the highest court failed the Constitution.
Youth Must Know the Truth
Addressing the students directly, the Vice President said:
“The youth of today cannot afford to be unaware of Emergency—the darkest period in our democratic journey.”
He emphasized the importance of marking June 25 as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas, a day of reflection and awareness. He urged the youth to remember the leaders jailed during that time—many of whom later became Prime Ministers and Presidents.
He also praised Justice H.R. Khanna, the lone dissenter in the infamous ADM Jabalpur case, calling him a true guardian of democracy.
Educational Campuses as Engines of Change
The Vice President underlined the transformative power of campuses, calling them crucibles of innovation and ideation. He argued that classroom learning should inspire students not just to earn degrees but to shape India’s destiny.
“If fear of failure stops innovation, our progress will stall,” he said.
He urged students to act decisively and embrace a “Just Do It — and Do It Now” spirit.
Strong Push for Alumni Contribution
Dhankhar also called for greater alumni engagement in Indian universities. He cited global examples where alumni funds exceed $50 billion, helping institutions thrive independently.
He urged Kumaon University’s 1 lakh alumni to contribute ₹10,000 annually. That alone, he said, could build a ₹100 crore fund for the university, supporting both infrastructure and student welfare.
“Alumni can handhold the next generation, connect back to their alma mater, and build a self-sustaining education system,” he noted.
A Nation’s Commitment to Constitutionalism
In conclusion, Dhankhar reaffirmed India’s unbreakable commitment to its Constitution. He said that while the Emergency period was a setback, it also became a turning point in strengthening democratic awareness.
India, he said, remains the Mother of Democracy, and it is the duty of every citizen—especially the youth—to preserve and protect its constitutional values.
