In the current edition of his monthly radio address Mann ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday remembered the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, calling it one of the darkest moments of India's democratic history.
Reminiscing about what happened in 1975, when the Emergency was declared, Modi said, "Those who declared Emergency not only killed the Constitution's spirit but also attempted to gag the judiciary as puppets."
He said that the country had recently celebrated the event as Samvidhan Hatya Divas (Constitution Killing Day), asking citizens to take inspiration from those who fought authoritarianism.
"We need to recall those who fought Emergency courageously. This motivates us to stay alert to save our Constitution," he said.
In the broadcast, Modi also aired archival recordings of leaders like Morarji Desai, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Jagjivan Ram.
The audio recollections reminded citizens of the sufferings and political oppression meted out by the government during the 21-month Emergency that started on June 25, 1975, and ended in March 1977. It was an era marked by censorship of the press, suspension of civil liberties, and mass detention of political dissenters.
Even though Modi did not name the Congress party or ex-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi directly, his remarks were made amid increased political tensions. The opposition accused the government in power of creating a situation similar to an "undeclared Emergency."
India Declared Free of Trachoma: WHO Recognition
In a significant public health achievement, Prime Minister Modi also revealed that India has been declared free of Trachoma, a contagious eye infection that can cause blindness.
"I am happy to tell you that World Health Organisation [WHO] had declared India free of Trachoma, an eye disease," he stated during the 123rd installment of Mann ki Baat.
Trachoma, which is caused by bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, has long targeted poor and disadvantaged groups. The recognition by the WHO is a major milestone in India's struggle against avoidable diseases that are traceable to poor sanitation and hygiene.
Increasing Social Protection Coverage
The Prime Minister also dwelled extensively on the increase in social security cover in India. He pointed out that about 95 crore citizens are now covered under several government social welfare schemes, an exponential rise from fewer than 25 crore beneficiaries in 2015.
Citing a recent report of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Modi said,
"It has been stated in this report that over 64% of the population of India is now certainly receiving some kind of social protection benefit or the other."
He put these accomplishments into perspective as a demonstration of India's dedication to inclusive growth and equitable access to welfare.
"From health to social security, the nation is progressing with the sense of saturation in all areas. This is also a wonderful image of social justice," he added.
Going forward, the Prime Minister was optimistic about India's continued run of good times:
"These achievements have filled people with a belief that the coming times will be better; India will become stronger at every step."
