On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced a book today that narrates his experiences during that tumultuous period and details how it influenced his development as a leader. Titled "The Emergency Diaries" and published by the BlueKraft Digital Foundation, the book is based on firsthand accounts from individuals who collaborated with him during those years, alongside other archival resources. The Prime Minister shared on X, "The Emergency Diaries reflects my experiences from the years of the Emergency. It evokes numerous memories of that period. I urge anyone who recalls those troubling days or knows family members who suffered to share their stories on social media. This will help raise awareness among younger generations about that shameful period from 1975 to 1977."
‘The Emergency Diaries’ chronicles my journey during the Emergency years. It brought back many memories from that time.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 25, 2025
I call upon all those who remember those dark days of the Emergency or those whose families suffered during that time to share their experiences on social…
He continued, "At the time when the Emergency was declared, I was a young RSS Pracharak. The anti-Emergency movement served as an educational experience for me. It reinforced the importance of upholding our democratic systems. Simultaneously, I gained insights from individuals across various political backgrounds. I'm pleased that BlueKraft Digital Foundation has gathered some of those insights into a book, introduced by Shri HD Deve Gowda Ji, a respected figure in the anti-Emergency struggle."
According to BlueKraft Digital Foundation, this book represents a pioneering work that "develops new scholarship on the foundational years of a young man committed to opposing tyranny." It emphasizes how “Emergency Diaries” vividly depicts Narendra Modi's unwavering stand for democratic ideals and highlights his lifelong dedication to their preservation. This volume pays homage to the courage and determination of those who stood up against oppression, offering a rare perspective on the early challenges that shaped one of the most significant leaders of our era. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to unveil the book this evening. In a separate message, the Prime Minister referred to the anniversary of the Emergency as Samvidhan Hatya Divas. He emphasized, "On this date, the principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution were disregarded, fundamental rights were suspended, freedom of the press was extinguished, and numerous political leaders, social activists, students, and ordinary citizens were imprisoned. It felt as though the Congress government at the time had put democracy itself on hold."
When the Emergency was imposed, I was a young RSS Pracharak. The anti-Emergency movement was a learning experience for me. It reaffirmed the vitality of preserving our democratic framework. At the same time, I got to learn so much from people across the political spectrum. I am… https://t.co/nLY4Vb30Pu
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 25, 2025
No citizen of India will ever forget how the essence of our Constitution was compromised, with Parliament’s voice suppressed and efforts made to exert influence over the judiciary. A clear illustration of such misconduct is the 42nd Amendment. The most vulnerable segments of society were disproportionately affected, and their dignity was callously disregarded.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the nation honors every individual who steadfastly resisted the Emergency. "These individuals came together from across India, representing various backgrounds and beliefs, united by a single objective: to safeguard the democratic framework of India and uphold the values for which our freedom fighters sacrificed so much. Their collective resistance compelled the Congress Government of the time to reinstate democracy and call for new elections, which resulted in their significant defeat," he remarked.
"We once again affirm our dedication to fortifying the principles laid out in our Constitution and collaborating to achieve our vision of a developed India. It is our hope that we reach new heights of advancement and realize the aspirations of the impoverished and marginalized," he stated. On June 25, 1975, the government under Indira Gandhi declared a nationwide Emergency, citing threats to national security and an economy in turmoil due to the global oil crisis, along with disruptions caused by strikes that halted productivity. This Emergency declaration led to the suspension of fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, including the right to seek judicial review. The 21-month period of Emergency significantly transformed Indian politics. In the elections of 1979, Indira Gandhi was ousted from power, leading to the rise of the Janata Party coalition.
