As India marks 50 years since the imposition of Emergency in 1975, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced a new book titled The Emergency Diaries. This book, a deeply personal account of his Emergency-era journey, delves into the two most turbulent years in Indian democracy and reflects on how those years shaped his political beliefs, resolve, and leadership path.
Launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and presented by the BlueKraft Digital Foundation, the book provides firsthand narratives, archival material, and personal insights into the Prime Minister’s early years as a young Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Pracharak, navigating the political oppression and ideological challenges of the time.
A Personal and Political Reflection
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Modi said, “The Emergency Diaries chronicles my journey during the Emergency years. It brought back many memories from that time.” He invited citizens, especially those affected during the Emergency, to share their stories on social media, aiming to educate the youth about this “shameful time” from 1975 to 1977.
His Emergency-era journey began when he was just a young activist associated with the RSS. The anti-Emergency movement, which he actively participated in, became a turning point in his life. The harsh political climate not only shaped his understanding of governance and power but also reinforced his commitment to democratic values and constitutional integrity.
Learning Through Struggle
Prime Minister Modi described his Emergency-era journey as a period of intense learning. “When the Emergency was imposed, I was a young RSS Pracharak. The anti-Emergency movement was a learning experience for me,” he said. The Prime Minister acknowledged the invaluable lessons he learned from interacting with individuals from across the political spectrum during that time.
The book includes stories not only from his point of view but also contributions from those who worked with him, shared jail cells, and organized underground resistance. These accounts reflect a crucial phase in the evolution of Modi’s leadership—shaped not in air-conditioned offices but in the heat of political turmoil and ideological defiance.
About the Book: A Historical Document
The Emergency Diaries, published by BlueKraft Digital Foundation, is described as the first of its kind. It documents his Emergency-era journey using first-person testimonies, historical records, and rare photos. The foreword, written by HD Deve Gowda, former Prime Minister and a veteran of the anti-Emergency movement, sets the tone for what the publishers call “a tribute to the grit and resolve of those who refused to be silenced.”
The Foundation noted that the book “creates new scholarship on the formative years of a young man who would give it his all in the fight against tyranny.” According to them, the book paints a vivid portrait of Narendra Modi fighting for democratic ideals and striving to uphold constitutional values even during the darkest days of Indian politics.
The Context of Emergency
On June 25, 1975, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s government declared a nationwide Emergency, citing threats to national security and economic stability. Over the next 21 months, civil liberties were suspended, press freedom was curbed, and dissent was criminalized. Political opponents, activists, students, and even ordinary citizens were imprisoned without trial.
For many Indians, especially those involved in political activism, this period left lasting scars. For Modi, his Emergency-era journey involved evading arrest, assisting underground resistance efforts, and building networks that would later prove foundational to his political rise.
Samvidhan Hatya Divas: Remembering a Dark Chapter
In a separate post, the Prime Minister remarked that India marks June 25 as Samvidhan Hatya Divas—the day constitutional values were “murdered.” He noted that the Emergency undermined the very essence of the Indian Constitution. “Fundamental rights were suspended, press freedom was extinguished, and several political leaders, social workers, students, and ordinary citizens were jailed,” he stated.
Referring to the 42nd Constitutional Amendment as a “prime example of Congress’s shenanigans,” he emphasized how his Emergency-era journey taught him the importance of safeguarding democracy against tyranny and injustice.
Collective Resistance and Democratic Revival
While the Emergency was a period of repression, it also sparked one of the strongest resistance movements in independent India. Modi acknowledged the contribution of countless Indians—from various walks of life—who stood up to protect democracy.
“It was their collective struggle that ensured the then Congress Government had to restore democracy and call for fresh elections, which they badly lost,” said the Prime Minister. These events left a significant imprint on his Emergency-era journey, providing him with the resilience and clarity needed for future leadership challenges.
A Call to the Youth
Modi has always emphasized connecting with the younger generation. With The Emergency Diaries, he not only documents his Emergency-era journey but also appeals to India’s youth to learn from history. He invited those who lived through the Emergency or whose families were affected to share their experiences on digital platforms.
This call is intended to spark awareness about the sacrifices made to protect India’s democracy. “May we scale new heights of progress and fulfil the dreams of the poor and downtrodden,” Modi added, reiterating the importance of protecting constitutional principles for future generations.
Legacy and Leadership Shaped by Crisis
Modi’s political style—marked by decisiveness, discipline, and a strong commitment to national interest—can be traced back to his Emergency-era journey. It was during these turbulent years that he observed firsthand the fragility of democratic institutions and the consequences of unchecked power.
His early years as an underground activist cultivated traits like discretion, strategy, and organizational skills—qualities he would later apply as Chief Minister of Gujarat and eventually as India’s Prime Minister. The new book offers rare insights into this lesser-known chapter of his life.
The Importance of Documenting History
The release of The Emergency Diaries comes at a crucial time, as political narratives around India’s past are being contested with increasing intensity. By documenting his Emergency-era journey, Modi and the publishers aim to contribute to a richer, more nuanced understanding of this critical period in Indian history.
The book is not just a memoir—it is a political statement, a historical record, and a call to action. It reminds citizens of the price that was paid to protect India’s democratic structure and urges them to remain vigilant.
Conclusion: A Journey That Shaped a Leader
The Emergency Diaries provides a detailed, heartfelt, and powerful narrative of his Emergency-era journey. From the perspective of a young activist to that of India’s highest elected officeholder, it tells a story of transformation, resistance, and vision.
As the country observes 50 years since one of its most pivotal moments, this book stands as both a tribute and a warning—a reminder of what can happen when democracy is compromised, and how individuals like Narendra Modi chose to stand firm in the face of adversity.
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