New Delhi | June 24, 2025:
The Union Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Government of Delhi, will commemorate Samvidhan Hatya Diwas on June 25, 2025, at Thyagaraj Stadium, New Delhi. This solemn occasion marks the 50th anniversary of the imposition of the Emergency in India in 1975—widely regarded as one of the darkest chapters in the nation’s post-independence history.
The event aims to serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of safeguarding democratic values, constitutional rights, and institutional integrity. The Emergency, declared by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on June 25, 1975, led to the suspension of fundamental rights, censorship of the press, mass arrests, and the silencing of dissent. In 2024, the Government of India officially designated June 25 as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas to ensure that this critical episode is never forgotten.
Dignitaries to Attend
The Delhi event will witness the presence of several key dignitaries:
- Shri Amit Shah, Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation (Chief Guest)
- Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT
- Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism
- Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi
- Smt. Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister of Delhi
Key Highlights of the Commemoration in Delhi:
- Special Exhibition on Indian Democracy:
Divided into three thematic sections, the exhibition will:- Bharat – Mother of Democracy: Explore India’s ancient participatory governance traditions
- Dark Days of Democracy: Chronicle the events and impact of the Emergency
- Strengthening Democracy in India: Highlight recent reforms such as electoral transparency, the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, DBT, and grievance redressal digitization
- Theatrical Performance by the National School of Drama (NSD):
A dramatization reflecting the trauma, resistance, and human cost of the Emergency period - Screening of a Short Film on the Emergency:
A specially commissioned cinematic narrative presenting the historical and emotional dimensions of the Emergency - Signature Tribute Wall:
An interactive space for citizens to leave messages affirming their commitment to constitutional values - Flag-Off of the “#LongLiveDemocracy Yatra”:
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah will flag off this nationwide campaign by MYBharat volunteers. The Yatra aims to raise awareness about constitutional rights, democratic responsibilities, and the lessons of the Emergency across India.
