Indians defeated Emergency by democratic means, says PM Modi on Mann Ki Baat: Highlights

NEW DELHI: Hosting the 90th episode of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, on Sunday, June 26, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reminded the nation about Emergency as India marked the 47th year of the "dark" chapter of its history, a day ago. Emergency was announced in the country on June 25, 1975, and was lifted on March 21, 1977. With Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Modi addresses the people of the nation on the last Sunday of every month. This time, he also applauded the sportsmen of the country and the new strides in space startups, asking people not to let their guards down against the Covid-19. The PM has also urged people to keep sharing ideas on Mann Ki Baat on MyGov or NaMo apps.
Here are the highlights of today's address:
Emergency
Prime Minister Modi began this month's Mann Ki Baat by talking about Emergency, imposed by the then Indira Gandhi-led government in 1975. He said all rights were "snatched away" during that time. "Among these rights was the right to life and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. At that time, attempts were made to crush democracy in India, the country's courts, every constitutional institution, press, everything was brought under control," PM Modi said.
He went on to say that despite several attempts, thousands of arrests and atrocities on millions, faith of Indians in democracy could not be shaken. "Indians defeated Emergency by democratic means to restore democracy; it's difficult to find another such example anywhere in the world. It was our democratic mindset that eventually prevailed. The democratic values ingrained in us since centuries, the spirit of democracy that flows in our veins, ultimately triumphed. People of India got rid of the Emergency and restored democracy," said PM Modi.
He also remembered and applauded all those who resisted the Emergency. "I remember famous singer Kishore Kumar refused to praise the government at the time, and he was banned from performing. He was not allowed on radio," he said, adding he himself was fortunate to be a witness as well as a participant in the struggle during the Emergency. "Today, when the country is celebrating 75 years of its Independence, we must not forget the dark period of Emergency. Future generations also must not forget it," he said.
Sporting accomplishments
Prime Minister Modi lauded javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra for his recent sporting accomplishments. "Our Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra won a silver at Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland, breaking his own record. Neeraj Chopra once again made the country proud by winning gold in Kuortane Games as well," Prime Minister Modi said. Chopra won gold at Kuortane Games in Finland on June 18. Earlier on June 14, Chopra set a new national record and finished with a silver medal with a throw of 89.30 metres at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland, bettering his own record of 88.07 m, which he had set in Patiala in March last year.
The PM also applauded Khelo India Youth Games, which he said, witnessed a true celebration of sports. "New records were created and some outstanding sporting performances were seen. A total of 12 records have been broken in these games out of which, 11 have been registered in the names of female players," he said, adding Indian sports is getting a new identity. "For example, this time five indigenous sports were included in Khelo India Youth Games: Gatka, Thang Ta, Yogasana, Kalaripayattu and Mallakhamb."
He gave a special mention about athletes coming from humble background. "Weightlifting gold winner L Dhanush’s father is a carpenter in Chennai. Sangli's daughter Kajol Sargar’s father works as a tea vendor. Kajol would help her father before practising weightlifting."
He then mentioned cricketer Mithali Raj who recently announced her retirement, saying India will always be grateful to her for her monumental contribution to women's cricket and for inspiring other athletes. "Her retirement from cricket has emotionally moved many sports lovers. Mithali has not only been an extraordinary player but has also been an inspiration to many players," he said, conveying his best wishes to the legendary former Indian skipper.
Finally PM Modi announced a Chess Olympiad to begin on July 28. "There is going to be an international tournament of a game, which was born centuries ago in our own country."
Startups in India's space sector
Like last month Prime Minister Modi again talked about startups in this Sunday's address too, especially mentioning about interesting strides in India's space sector. "Before 2019, startups in the space sector were not common. In the last three years, things have changed and our youth have shown great innovative skills." He gave example of Dhruva Space, a Hyderabad-based startup, working on High-technology Solar Panels for satellites. He talked about a programme of In-Space, where he said, he met Tanvi Patel, a school student of Gujarat's Mehsana. "She is working on a very small satellite, which is going to be launched into space in the next few months. Tanvi explained her project to me in Gujarati," he said, also mentioning his meeting with Tanveer Ahmed of Digantara, another space startup, which is trying to map waste in space.
Recycling of waste
From space waste, PM Modi went on to talk about the waste on earth, mentioning Puducherry. "A large number of people visit Puducherry to see its marine beauty. But, the pollution caused by plastic is increasing on the sea coast of Puducherry, therefore, to save its sea, beaches and ecology, people here have started a 'Recycling for Life' campaign. Thousands of kilos of garbage is collected and segregated every day in Karaikal, Puducherry. The organic waste is made into compost, and the rest is recycled," said PM Modi.
He also mentioned about a "unique cycling rally" going on in Himachal Pradesh. "A group of cyclists have started from Shimla for Mandi, carrying the message of cleanliness."
Upcoming Rath Yatra
The prime minister then talked about the upcoming Rath Yatra, saying there is great emphasis on yatras in our culture as India has come a long way on its journey of growth as one nation, over thousands of years. "In just a few days, from July 1, the famous yatra of Lord Jagannath is going to start in Puri, Odisha. People have started preparations for the good fortune of visiting Puri on this occasion."
Precautions against Covid-19
Finally, PM Modi once again reminded the countrymen about taking precautions against Covid-19 like maintaining hand hygiene and wearing masks, urging the people to ensure that they, along with their family members, especially the elderly, get the precaution dose of the vaccine against coronavirus on time. "It is a matter of satisfaction that today the country has a comprehensive protective cover of the vaccine. We have reached close to 200 crore vaccine doses. Rapid precaution dose is also being administered in the country."