The Vice-President recounted how, on June 25, 1975, the President of India declared Emergency at the request of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Within hours, over 100,000 citizens were imprisoned. Democratic values, freedom of expression, and media independence were crushed.
“Our Constitution ceased to exist. Media was gagged. Courts failed us,” he said, emphasizing that the Supreme Court’s ruling—overruling nine High Courts—became the darkest chapter in India’s judicial history.
Supreme Court’s Judgment: A Judicial Low Point
Dhankhar strongly criticized the judiciary’s 1976 verdict that legitimized the absence of fundamental rights during Emergency. “It enabled dictatorship and silenced dissent,” he stated. The Vice-President noted that those arrested included future Prime Ministers like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Chandra Shekhar, and Morarji Desai.
“This is not just history. This is a lesson,” Dhankhar reminded interns. He urged them to act as watchdogs of democracy and cherish the Constitution that ensures their freedom today.
Yoga Is Bharat’s Gift: Not Just for a Day
Shifting focus to health and inner well-being, the Vice-President marked the eve of International Yoga Day, calling Yoga “a spiritual treasure of Bharat.”
He reminded the audience that Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed Yoga at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. In just 75 days, 177 countries adopted Resolution 69/131, establishing June 21 as International Yoga Day globally.
Yoga for Every Day, Not Just One Day
“Yoga is not a one-day affair,” VP Dhankhar stressed. “It must become your daily habit. It purifies your mind, body, and spirit. It removes despair and strengthens resilience.”
He shared his experience from the 9th International Yoga Day in Jabalpur and lauded the Prime Minister’s participation at the United Nations Headquarters as a proud moment for India.
Safeguarding Democracy, Practicing Harmony
Addressing religious harmony, he said, “India allows all to practice their faith. But if religion is changed by lure or allurement, it harms our cultural identity.”
He emphasized that spiritual freedom must come from personal conviction, not coercion or temptation. “Let us be proud guardians of our heritage,” he added.
Call to Youth: Be Informed, Be Involved
The Vice-President’s concluding remarks carried urgency and hope. “Your generation must know the cost of liberty. Be vigilant. Read. Reflect. Participate. Protect our Constitution with conviction,” he urged.