India Observes 50 Years of Emergency as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’: Jaishankar Urges Commitment to Democracy
New Delhi, June 25, 2025 – On the 50th anniversary of the Emergency declared in 1975, the Indian government marked the day as Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas (Day of the Constitution’s Demise), remembering a time when democratic processes and civil rights were seriously undermined.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar referred to the Emergency as a distressing chapter in India’s post-independence history. Reflecting on the events of that period, he noted how individual freedoms were curtailed, institutions were weakened, and government accountability was largely absent.
In a message shared on social media platform X, Dr. Jaishankar stated that this day serves as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility citizens have to defend constitutional values. He stressed that safeguarding democracy requires continued awareness and participation from all sections of society.
“The Emergency reminds us how fragile freedom can be when institutions are misused and rights are suspended,” he said. “It’s a call to action to protect the strength and stability of our democratic framework.”
The commemoration aimed to emphasize the need for constant vigilance to prevent any repetition of such authoritarian measures in the future.
