Emergency was a dark period for Indian history, says PM Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the 1975 Emergency, imposed by the then Indira Gandhi-led Central government, was a ‘dark period’ in Indian history, adding that millions opposed it with all their might.

"India is the mother of democracy. We consider our democratic ideals paramount; we consider our Constitution supreme; therefore, we can never forget June 25th. This is the very day when an emergency was imposed on our country. It was a dark period in the history of India. Lakhs of people opposed the emergency with full might. Many books have been written on these atrocities and the punishment meted out by the police and administration. The supporters of democracy were tortured so much during that time that even today, their mind shudders," PM Modi said during the 102nd episode of his monthly radio address 'Mann Ki Baat'. "Today, when we are celebrating the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, we must also have a glance at such crimes that endanger the freedom of the country. This will make it easier for today's young generation to understand the meaning and significance of democracy," PM Modi added.

Prime Minister Modi also elaborated on the upcoming Rath Yatra in Odisha. "June 20 is the day of the historic Rath Yatra. Rath Yatra has a unique identity all over the world. Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra is taken out with great pomp in different states of the country," PM Modi said.

Lauding a Kerala native for using a Japanese technique called "Miyawaki' in the farming process, PM Modi said, "Japan's technique, Miyawaki, is a very good way to make an area green if the soil is not fertile. This technique is slowly and gradually being seen in India also."

"Teacher Raafi Ramnath from Kerala used this technique to create a mini forest called 'Vidyavanam' with over 115 varieties. Many students and people visit this Miyawaki forest. This technique is becoming popular around the world and is being used in many countries. I appeal to all the people of the nation, especially those who are living in urban areas, to use this technique and learn more about it," the Prime Minister further remarked.

Highlighting the development of the dairy sector in Jammu and Kashmir, PM Modi said, "The people of Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir have done a wonderful job. Farming has been done in Baramulla for a long time, but there used to be a shortage of milk. The people of Baramulla saw this challenge as an opportunity. A large number of people started dairy work here, PM Modi said.

Lauding the efforts of people and disaster management personnel who combated cyclone Biparjoy, which made a landfall in the coastal regions of Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that India's disaster management has become an example.

"Cyclone Biparjoy wreaked so much havoc in Kutch, but the people of Kutch faced it with full courage and preparedness," the prime minister said.

Referring to his leading a yoga session at the UN headquarters in New York on June 21 to mark International Yoga Day, PM Modi appealed to all to adopt yoga in their daily lives and make it a part of their routine.

The Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative) has been implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. "India has set a target of eradicating TB by 2025. Nikshay Mitra has taken charge of this movement against TB. Thousands of people are adopting TB patients in rural areas. This is the true strength of India. The youth are also contributing to achieving the target of eradicating TB by 2025," PM Modi said during the 102nd episode of 'Mann Ki Baat.' (Agencies)

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