The Union Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Government of Delhi, will commemorate Samvidhan Hatya Diwas on 25th June 2025 at Thyagaraj Stadium, New Delhi, marking 50 years since the imposition of Emergency in India in 1975.
The solemn occasion will serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding democratic values and constitutional rights.
The Emergency, declared on 25th June 1975, remains one of the darkest chapters in India’s post-independence history. Fundamental rights were suspended, press freedoms curtailed, and democratic institutions were silenced. In 2024, the Government of India officially notified June 25 as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas, to ensure that this critical period is not forgotten and the sanctity of democracy is consistently upheld.
The Delhi event will be graced by several dignitaries, including:
- 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 Event in Delhi-
- Special Exhibition on Indian Democracy:
The exhibition will be divided into three curated sections
- Bharat – Mother of Democracy: Showcasing India’s ancient and participative democratic traditions
- Dark Days of Democracy: Chronicling the events and consequences of the 1975 Emergency
- Strengthening Democracy in India: Featuring recent democratic reforms like electoral transparency, Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), and digital public grievance platforms
2. Theatrical Play by the National School of Drama (NSD):- A powerful dramatization of the Emergency era, highlighting its impact on common citizens and democratic institutions
3. Screening of a Short Film on the Emergency: – A specially commissioned film offering a cinematic reflection on the imposition and consequences of the Emergency
4. Signature Tribute Wall: – An interactive installation inviting citizens to write personal messages reaffirming their commitment to constitutional values
5. Flag-Off of the “#LongLiveDemocracy Yatra”
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah will flag off the “Long Live Democracy Yatra” by MYBharat volunteers. The Yatra will travel across the country to spread awareness about constitutional values, democratic rights, and the lessons from the Emergency.
Nationwide Commemoration
In addition to the central event in Delhi, States and Union Territories across India will host commemorative programmes led by respective Chief Ministers, Governors, and Lieutenant Governors. These events will:
- Honour individuals who resisted the Emergency and defended democracy
- Include exhibitions, public discussions, and film screenings
- Facilitate intergenerational dialogue on the fragility and strength of democratic institutions
The Ministry of Culture is also coordinating the launch of the “Long Live Democracy” exhibition at 50 key locations in each State and UT, which will remain open to the public in the coming weeks.
Background
Democracy in Bharat is more than a political system—it is a civilizational ethos deeply embedded in India’s historical and cultural fabric. Samvidhan Hatya Diwas is not just an observance of a past injustice, but a solemn reaffirmation of our commitment to democratic principles, institutional integrity, and constitutional values. Let us come together as a nation to reflect, remember, and renew our resolve to protect the foundations of our democracy.
