“Remembering history is not just about knowing the past, but about learning and making the future better.”
News Topical, Digital Desk : Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai attended a ceremony honoring democracy fighters held on the occasion of Emergency Memorial Day at the DDU Auditorium in Raipur, the capital. At the solemn ceremony, he released a souvenir, "Emergency Warriors," based on the struggles of democracy fighters, and honored the winners of an essay competition on the Emergency. In his address, the keynote speaker, Indresh Kumar, elaborated on democracy, nation-building, and cultural values . He stated that democracy is not merely a system of governance, but a life value that every citizen is responsible for understanding and upholding. Recalling the Emergency, he said it was a difficult test for Indian democracy, severely impacting freedom of expression and fundamental rights.
Strengthen social harmony
The keynote speaker stated that remembering history is not merely about knowing the past, but also about learning from it and building a better future. He called on the youth to strengthen the nation's unity, discipline, and social harmony, and to contribute to the creation of a drug-free and clean society. He stated that India's cultural heritage and values have always served to unite society, and that through these values, the nation can further strengthen its identity globally.
Appealing to the youth to embrace the spirit of nation first, he said that the spirit of nation, knowledge, and religion first is India's true strength. He further stated that Ayodhya is a place in the universe that will always be revered, and that by following the path of truth and righteousness, we must prioritize national interest.
In his address , Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai said that the Emergency is a period in the history of Indian democracy that can never be forgotten. Recalling the struggles, sacrifices, and hardships of prison life of the democracy fighters, he said that these individuals made unprecedented contributions to the defense of democracy.
Land of struggle, culture and tradition
CM Sai stated that the purpose of such events is not merely to commemorate, but also to awaken future generations to understand the immense sacrifices that led to independence and democracy. The Chief Minister emphasized that Chhattisgarh has always been a land of struggle, culture, and tradition, with a deep belief in democratic values. He added that incorporating this subject into the curriculum is a commendable initiative to educate future generations about history.
CM Sai said that during this difficult time, volunteers disguised themselves to deliver food to the families of democracy fighters so that no one would go hungry. He also shared many more memories from that period and remembered all the democracy fighters.
Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh said that the 1975 Emergency posed a serious challenge to Indian democracy. Citing press censorship, the suspension of fundamental rights, and constitutional amendments, he said that this period symbolized the strength and vigilance of democracy. The Emergency inspires us to remain vigilant against democratic values.
Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu, Rajya Sabha MP Laxmi Verma, former Rajya Sabha member and National President of Loktantra Senani Sangh Kailash Soni, MLA Motilal Sahu, MLA Gomti Sai, President of Building and Other Construction Workers Board Dr. Rampratap Singh, Chairman of Civil Supplies Corporation Sanjay Srivastava, Chairman of CGMSC Deepak Mhaske, Chairperson of Child Rights Protection Commission Varnika Sharma, Mahamandaleshwar Ajay Ramdas, Akhilesh Soni, State President of Loktantra Senani Sangh Diwakar Tiwari, National Vice President of Loktantra Senani Sangh Sachchidanand Upasne along with many intellectuals and Loktantra Senani and their families were present in the program.
Essay competition winners also honored
During the program, winners of the state-level essay competition held on the occasion of Emergency Memorial Day were also honored. More than 540 students from across the state enthusiastically participated in the competition. Jagriti Jangde of J.R. Dani Girls School, Raipur, won first place in the school-level essay competition on the theme "Emergency should never be forgotten" and was awarded an incentive of ₹31,000 and a memento.
Suraj Tandia of Vivekananda Vidyapeeth, Korba, placed second, and Ansh Deshmukh of Agrasen International School, Durg, placed third. In the college-level essay competition on "June 25: Constitution Murder Day," Kalyani Patle of Raipur placed first, Seema Saw of Raigarh placed second, and Khushboo of Durg placed third. The Chief Minister presented mementos and incentives to all the winners, praising the active participation of youth in raising awareness about democracy and the Constitution.
