Raipur: On the occasion of Emergency Remembrance Day, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended the Democracy Fighters Felicitation Ceremony held at DDU Auditorium. The event paid tribute to those who resisted the Emergency period in India and highlighted their sacrifices for the protection of democratic values.
During the programme, the Chief Minister also released a memorial publication titled “Aapatkaal Ke Yoddha” (Warriors of Emergency), which documents the struggles and experiences of democracy fighters. He also felicitated winners of a state-level essay competition held to promote awareness about the Emergency among students.
Keynote Address Highlights: Democracy as a Way of Life
Keynote speaker Indresh Kumar emphasized that democracy is not just a system of governance but a way of life. Recalling the 1975 Emergency, he described it as a challenging period when freedom of expression and fundamental rights were severely restricted.
He said the sacrifices made by democracy fighters—who faced imprisonment and hardship—should serve as an inspiration for future generations. He also urged the youth to uphold unity, discipline, and social harmony while embracing the spirit of “Nation First”.
Indresh Kumar further noted that India’s cultural values have strengthened society and can play a key role in enhancing the country’s global identity.
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CM Vishnu Deo Sai Calls Emergency a “Dark Chapter”
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described the Emergency as a “dark chapter” in India’s democratic history. He said the sacrifices of democracy fighters must never be forgotten and stressed the importance of educating future generations about constitutional values.
He highlighted that Chhattisgarh has a long tradition of struggle, culture, and democratic commitment. The inclusion of Emergency-related topics in educational curricula, he said, is a commendable step toward strengthening historical awareness among students.
The Chief Minister also shared a personal recollection, stating that his elder uncle, late Narhari Sai, was imprisoned for 19 months during the Emergency. He added that volunteers at the time secretly supported affected families with essential supplies.
Assembly Speaker Highlights Challenges to Democracy
Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh noted that the 1975 Emergency posed a serious challenge to India’s democratic framework. He referred to press censorship, suspension of fundamental rights, and constitutional changes during that period.
He emphasized that the Emergency serves as a reminder of the need to remain vigilant in protecting democratic institutions and values.
Student Participation and Essay Competition Winners
The event saw strong participation from students, with more than 540 students competing in the state-level essay competition focused on the Emergency.
School Category Winners:
- First Prize: Jagriti Jangde (J R Dani Girls School, Raipur) – ₹31,000 and memento
- Second Prize: Suraj Tandiya (Vivekanand Vidyapeeth School, Korba)
- Third Prize: Ansh Deshmukh (Agrasen International School, Durg)
College Category Winners:
- First Prize: Kalyani Patle (Raipur)
- Second Prize: Seema Sao (Raigarh)
- Third Prize: Khushboo (Durg)
The Chief Minister felicitated the winners with mementoes and cash awards and appreciated their active participation in promoting awareness about democracy and constitutional values.
Dignitaries Present at the Event
The ceremony was attended by several senior leaders and dignitaries, including:
- Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu
- Rajya Sabha MP Laxmi Verma
- Other ministers, MLAs, and officials
- Members of the Loktantra Senani Sangh
- Democracy fighters and their families
The gathering reflected a collective tribute to the resilience of democracy fighters and their role in safeguarding constitutional values.
