Emergency Must Never Be Forgotten: CM Vishnu Deo Sai Pays Tribute to Democracy Warriors

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai addresses the Emergency Remembrance Day ceremony, reaffirming that the sacrifices of democracy warriors will continue to inspire future generations, in Raipur on Sunday June 28, 2026_Photo Credit – Channel24india.comVia CG/PR

IN Short

• India can further strengthen its identity globally by uniting society through its culture and values: Indresh Kumar

• The Emergency inspires us to remain ever-vigilant regarding democratic values: Dr. Raman Singh

• Chief Minister releases the souvenir “Aapatkal Ke Yoddha” (Warriors of the Emergency), based on the struggles of the ‘Democracy Warriors’

• Winners of the essay competition based on the Emergency are felicitated

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‘The Sacrifice of Democracy Fighters Will Continue to Inspire Future Generations,’ Says Chief Minister at Emergency Remembrance Day

Raipur: Paying tribute to the countless individuals who stood firm in defence of democracy during the Emergency, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday June 28, 2026 said their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to constitutional values would remain a lasting source of inspiration for future generations.

The Chief Minister was addressing the Democracy Fighters Felicitation Ceremony organised on the occasion of Emergency Remembrance Day at the DDU Auditorium in Raipur. During the event, he released a commemorative publication titled “Warriors of the Emergency”, documenting the struggles and sacrifices of those who resisted the Emergency. He also honoured the winners of a state-level essay competition centred on the Emergency.

Democracy Must Be Protected Through Awareness

In his address, Chief Minister Sai described the Emergency of 1975 as one of the darkest chapters in India’s democratic history. He said the event serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting democratic institutions, civil liberties, and constitutional values.

“The purpose of observing Emergency Remembrance Day is not merely to recall history but to educate the younger generation about the immense sacrifices made to safeguard democracy. Freedom and democratic rights were secured through extraordinary courage and struggle, and these values must never be taken for granted,” he said.

The Chief Minister added that Chhattisgarh has always upheld a strong tradition of democratic values, cultural heritage, and public participation. He welcomed the initiative to include the history of the Emergency in educational curricula, saying it would help students understand the significance of constitutional freedoms.

Personal Recollections of the Emergency

Sharing a deeply personal memory, Sai recalled that his elder uncle, the late Narhari Sai, was imprisoned for 19 months during the Emergency. He said many families endured severe hardship after the arrest of their breadwinners.

“When the head of a family was sent to prison, entire households faced financial and emotional distress. During those difficult times, volunteers often disguised themselves to deliver food grains and essential supplies to the families of democracy fighters so that no one would go hungry,” the Chief Minister recalled.

He said these stories of resilience and sacrifice should continue to inspire future generations to protect democratic ideals.

Democracy Is More Than a System of Government

Honouring the Guardians of Democracy: CM Vishnu Deo Sai, Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, and RSS Pracharak Indresh Kumar pay tribute to the Democracy Warriors of the Emergency_Photo Credit -channel24india.com Via CG/PR

Delivering the keynote address, senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Pracharak Indresh Kumar said democracy is not merely a political system but a way of life that every citizen has a responsibility to preserve.

Recalling the Emergency period, he described it as a severe test for Indian democracy, when freedom of expression and fundamental rights came under unprecedented restrictions.

He praised the courage of democracy fighters who endured imprisonment, torture, and hardship while remaining steadfast in defending democratic principles.

Kumar urged young people to study history not simply to remember the past but to draw lessons for building a stronger future. He appealed to them to strengthen national unity, discipline, and social harmony while contributing to the creation of a clean, drug-free society.

Emphasising India’s cultural heritage, he said the country’s civilisational values have always united society and can further strengthen India’s identity across the world. Encouraging youth to embrace the principle of “Nation First,” he said India’s true strength lies in placing the nation, knowledge, and righteousness above all else.

Emergency Was a Test of Democratic Values

Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh said the Emergency imposed in 1975 posed one of the greatest challenges to Indian democracy.

Referring to press censorship, suspension of fundamental rights, and constitutional amendments during that period, he said the Emergency highlighted the need for constant vigilance in safeguarding democratic institutions.

“The Emergency reminds us that democracy can survive only when citizens remain aware, alert, and committed to constitutional values,” he observed.

Honouring Young Voices

The programme also recognised winners of the state-level essay competition organised to promote awareness about the Emergency and constitutional values.

More than 540 students from across Chhattisgarh participated enthusiastically in the competition.

In the school category, Jagruti Jangde of J.R. Dani Girls School, Raipur, secured first place in the essay competition on the theme “The Emergency Must Never Be Forgotten.” She received a cash prize of ₹31,000 along with a memento. Suraj Tandiya of Vivekananda Vidyapeeth, Korba, won second place, while Ansh Deshmukh of Agrasen International School, Durg, secured third place.

In the college category, based on the theme “June 25: Constitution Murder Day,” Kalyani Patle of Raipur won first prize, followed by Seema Sao of Raigarh in second place and Khushboo of Durg in third.

Chief Minister Sai presented the winners with mementoes and cash awards, appreciating their thoughtful reflections on democracy and constitutional values.

Dignitaries Present

Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu, Rajya Sabha MP Laxmi Verma, former Rajya Sabha member and National President of the Loktantra Senani Sangh Kailash Soni, MLAs Motilal Sahu and Gomti Sai, Chhattisgarh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board Chairman Dr. Rampratap Singh, Chhattisgarh State Civil Supplies Corporation Chairman Sanjay Srivastava, CGMSC Chairman Deepak Mhaske, Chhattisgarh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Chairperson Varnika Sharma, Mahamandaleshwar Ajay Ramdas, Akhilesh Soni, Loktantra Senani Sangh State President Diwakar Tiwari, National Vice-President Sachchidanand Upasane, along with democracy fighters, their family members, and several distinguished citizens, were present at the ceremony.

The event concluded with a renewed pledge to preserve democratic ideals and ensure that the sacrifices of those who defended India’s democracy continue to inspire generations to come.