Ministry of Culture Commemorates ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ to Mark 50 Years of the Emergency

The Ministry of Culture commemorated ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ through a special programme organized by the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) at its campus in New Delhi. The event marked the 50th anniversary of the Emergency imposed in 1975 and aimed to promote awareness about the importance of democracy, constitutional values, and citizens’ rights.

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat attended the programme as the Chief Guest and highlighted the resilience of India’s democratic system despite the challenges faced during the Emergency period.

Samvidhan Hatya Diwas 2026: Overview

Purpose of the Commemoration

The programme was organized to remember the Emergency imposed in 1975 and to reinforce the significance of:

• Democracy
• Constitutional values
• Fundamental rights
• Freedom of expression
• Independent media
• Rule of law

The event encouraged citizens, especially young people, to understand the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions.

Union Minister Highlights Importance of Democracy

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stated that democracy is embedded in India’s DNA and described the programme as an opportunity to honour the unsung heroes who protected democratic values.

He emphasized that democracy is not limited to elections but also includes:

• Freedom of speech
• Freedom of expression
• Freedom to dissent
• Free and independent media
• Protection of citizens’ dignity
• Supremacy of the Constitution

The Minister remarked that the Emergency serves as an important reminder of the value of democracy and constitutional freedoms.

Exhibition on ‘Long Live Democracy’

One of the major attractions of the programme was the exhibition titled “Long Live Democracy.”

The exhibition showcased:

• The impact of the Emergency
• Challenges faced by democratic institutions
• Importance of protecting constitutional freedoms
• Historical events related to democratic governance

Visitors also explored an exhibition on the Digital District Repository (DDR), a national initiative documenting district-level stories, personalities, events, and places associated with India’s freedom struggle.

The exhibition, inaugurated on 24 June 2026, witnessed participation from more than 1,000 students representing schools and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

A short documentary film on Samvidhan Hatya Diwas was also screened during the programme.

Cultural Tribute to Democracy

The event featured a special cultural performance titled “Musical Tribute to the Spirit of Democracy – From Silence to Voice, From Darkness to Dawn.”

The presentation was performed by CCRT scholars under the direction of renowned flautist Pandit Chetan Joshi, celebrating the resilience and strength of Indian democracy through music.

Special Address by Ram Bahadur Rai

Eminent journalist and author Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, who was imprisoned during the Emergency, delivered a special address during the programme.

He reflected on the challenges faced during the Emergency period and highlighted the enduring strength of India’s democratic institutions.

Digital District Repository Felicitation Ceremony

The programme also included the Digital District Repository (DDR) Felicitation Ceremony.

The Digital District Repository is a nationwide initiative aimed at documenting and preserving:

• Local freedom fighters
• Historical events
• Important personalities
• Heritage sites
• District-level stories connected to India’s freedom movement

The Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) has made significant contributions by collecting and documenting numerous local narratives from across the country.

Honouring Freedom Fighters and Contributors

During the ceremony, veteran freedom fighters and living legends:

• Shri Sheshrao Laxmanrao Khot
• Shri Yeddula Suryanarayana Reddy

along with their family members, were honoured for their invaluable contributions to the nation.

Teachers, researchers, educational institutions, and contributors associated with the Digital District Repository were also felicitated for their efforts in preserving India’s freedom movement history.

The programme also included:

• Documentary screenings
• Sketch presentations inspired by repository stories
• Exhibition showcasing district-level historical narratives

Seva Parv Art Exhibition

A special exhibition featuring artworks created under the Ministry of Culture’s nationwide Seva Parv initiative was also displayed during the event.

Organized under the theme “Viksit Bharat ke Rang, Kala ke Sang”, the initiative promoted:

• Cultural pride
• Artistic creativity
• Public participation
• Social responsibility

through various artistic activities conducted across India.

Significance of Samvidhan Hatya Diwas

The observance of Samvidhan Hatya Diwas serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting democratic values and constitutional principles.

By remembering the Emergency period, the programme encourages future generations to appreciate the significance of:

• Democracy
• Rule of law
• Freedom of expression
• Constitutional governance
• Citizens’ rights

The event also reinforces India’s commitment to preserving democratic institutions and strengthening public awareness about constitutional values.