New Delhi: On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, the JP Senani Sammelan was held today at the Constitution Club in New Delhi, jointly organized by the Sampoorna Kranti Rashtriya Manch and the Loknayak Jayaprakash International Studies and Development Centre. The event brought together democracy activists from across India to reflect on the horrors of the Emergency and deliberate on the present-day threats to democracy.
A resolution was passed demanding uniform pension and national recognition for all those jailed during the Emergency. A call was also made for the establishment of an international museum dedicated to Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan.
The event was attended by key dignitaries, including Satyanarayan Jatiya, Vijay Goel, Suraj Mandal, Suryakant Kelkar, Sunil Deodhar, Anshuman Joshi, Sudhanshu Ranjan, Sudhakar Singh, as well as numerous democracy fighters and representatives from social organizations from various states.
Satyanarayan Jatiya (Former Union Minister) described Jayaprakash Narayan, Nanaji Deshmukh, and other democracy defenders as “immortal torchbearers of democracy.” He stated, “During the Emergency, the sun of resistance was briefly eclipsed, but the sacrifices of the people reignited its brilliance. JP’s call, ‘Vacate the throne, the people are coming’, was not just a slogan, but a historic rallying cry against authoritarianism.”
Sunil Deodhar (BJP leader, Andhra Pradesh Co-incharge) said, “I was just 10 during the Emergency, but my father, a journalist and RSS member, used our Pune home’s underground cellar as a safe house for resistance fighters. Thousands of such unsung heroes and their families, especially women, deserve our respect. Many states have already provided pensions; others must follow.”
He added, “The Emergency wasn’t just a political crisis, it was a kidnapping of democracy. Articles 352 and 19 were suspended. Under draconian laws like MISA, thousands were jailed without trial. These sacrifices must never be forgotten.”
Vijay Goel (Former Union Minister) recalled, “As a student activist at Delhi University, I witnessed senior leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Jayaprakash Narayan, and Charan Singh being arrested overnight. We went underground, printed pamphlets on stencils, and distributed them by bicycle. It felt like a second freedom struggle.”
He emphasized, “While we celebrate Constitution Day, let us resolve never to allow authoritarianism to overpower democracy. Even while in power, we must always remember that democracy comes first.”
Suryakant Kelkar (Convenor, Bharat Raksha Manch) said, “Thousands of Emergency-era detainees continue to live in neglect. It is ironic that those who saved democracy remain marginalized. The time has come for the nation to formally recognize their contributions and restore their dignity.”
Suraj Mandal (Former MP) said, “The Emergency tried to crush the very Constitution that we received after Independence. But the public resistance was historic. Democracy fighters must be recognized and granted rights at the national level.”
Sudhanshu Ranjan (Senior Journalist) highlighted, “The Emergency was a dark chapter in which press freedom, judicial independence, and parliamentary autonomy were crushed. It is vital that the younger generation understands this history and remains vigilant.”
Anshuman Joshi remarked, “Those who risked their careers, families, and personal freedom to protect the Constitution are still largely ignored. They must receive financial aid and social recognition.”
The closing address was delivered by Sudhakar Singh (MLA, Ghosi Constituency, Mau District, Uttar Pradesh) who saluted the ongoing struggle of democracy defenders and said their sacrifice and courage must be given a rightful place in history.
At the conclusion, a joint resolution was passed with the following demands to the central government:
- Implement a uniform pension scheme across all states for those jailed during the Emergency.
- Establish an international museum dedicated to the legacy of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan.
- Officially declare June 25 as ‘Democracy Protection Day.’
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