In his June 2025 edition of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invoked a deeply significant period in Indian history—the Emergency of 1975—to reflect on its impact
In his June 2025 edition of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invoked a deeply significant period in Indian history—the Emergency of 1975—to reflect on its impact on democracy, while also highlighting India’s recent achievements in public health, social security, and space exploration.
During the radio address, PM Modi strongly criticized the imposition of the Emergency by the Indira Gandhi-led government on June 25, 1975. He said, “Those who imposed the Emergency not only murdered our Constitution but also had the intention to make the judiciary their slave.” The Emergency, which lasted for 21 months until 1977, remains one of the most controversial and defining episodes in independent India’s history.
The Prime Minister added that people across the country were subjected to “inhuman atrocities,” with thousands arrested, press freedom curtailed, and civil liberties suspended. “But the strength of India’s people shone through. They did not bow down or compromise with democracy. Eventually, democracy triumphed,” he stated.
In remembrance of this period, the government marked June 25 as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas (Constitution Murder Day), observing the 50th anniversary this year. Modi also played archival audio clips from leaders like former PMs Morarji Desai, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Deputy PM Jagjivan Ram to underline the widespread resistance to the Emergency.
He urged citizens to stay vigilant to protect democratic values, saying, “We must never forget the brave individuals who stood against tyranny and upheld our Constitution. Their stories inspire us to keep democracy resilient and vibrant.”
Switching focus to governance achievements, PM Modi highlighted India’s progress in health and social welfare. He cited reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) that praised India’s strides in public healthcare and social protection.
According to Modi, as per ILO data, over 64% of the Indian population now benefits from social security schemes. “Today, around 95 crore citizens are covered under various social welfare schemes, a massive leap from the 25 crore beneficiaries in 2015,” he stated.
He emphasized that this achievement was a result of the government’s commitment to saturation coverage, aiming to reach every household with welfare initiatives—from Ayushman Bharat to PM-Kisan and beyond.
PM Modi proudly announced that the WHO has declared India trachoma-free, a major public health victory. Trachoma, a bacterial infection of the eye that can lead to blindness, was once widespread in India, especially in rural areas.
“The WHO awarded India a certificate for the elimination of trachoma at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva,” said Modi. He credited the Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission for their role in improving hygiene and providing clean drinking water, significantly reducing the risk of such infections.
Touching on India’s advancements in space exploration, Modi spoke about the Axiom-4 mission, which includes Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla stationed aboard the International Space Station (ISS). “Shubhanshu will continue his stay at the ISS for a few more days. We will share more about this mission in the next Mann Ki Baat episode,” he said.
This mission marks another milestone in India’s growing space capabilities and global partnerships in science and technology.
The Prime Minister also extended heartfelt wishes to devotees undertaking various spiritual pilgrimages, including the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Amarnath Yatra, and other regional yatras. “I commend the efforts of those who ensure these sacred journeys are successful and safe, working with dedication and a spirit of service,” he said.
This month’s Mann Ki Baat reflected on a somber historical anniversary while celebrating modern India’s achievements in welfare, public health, and science. PM Modi’s message was clear: to protect democracy, celebrate progress, and remain united as a nation in faith, effort, and spirit.
PM Modi said the Emergency was a direct attack on the Constitution and judiciary, emphasizing the need to remember those who resisted it and upheld democracy.
June 25 marks the day Emergency was imposed in 1975. The day is now observed as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas to remember the curtailment of constitutional rights.
PM Modi shared that WHO has declared India trachoma-free and lauded improvements in health due to Swachh Bharat and Jal Jeevan Missions.
According to Modi, around 95 crore Indians now benefit from social protection schemes, up from less than 25 crore in 2015.
Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is currently stationed at the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 mission, representing India’s space capabilities.
