Emergency anniversary exhibition: Modi in disguise, blank editorial on show

New Delhi: Rare images of the notification of the proclamation of the Emergency, photos of blank editorials published in newspapers to protest press censorship and of several other documents drawn from archival repositories are part of a mega exhibition hosted here by the government to mark its 50th anniversary.

Besides, old black and white photos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, then as a young activist, and also when he had sported a turban to be in disguise in that era, have also been displayed.

The exhibition was part of the the event -- 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' -- hosted by the Ministry of Culture at the Thyagaraj Stadium to mark 50 years since Emergency was imposed on June 25, 1975.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah who attended the function as a chief guest, Union ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also saw the exhibits displayed on large panels at the venue.

On a blank wall carrying a hashtag #LongLive Democracy', Shah signed in Hindi -- 'Vande Mataram 25.6.25' before addressing a large gathering.

The exhibition is 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'; and 'Strengthening Democracy in India', featuring recent democratic reforms like electoral transparency, Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, Direct Benefit Transfer, and digital public grievance platforms.

Today marks the exact day on which the then Indira Gandhi government had clamped the Emergency following a series of tumultuous events in the 1970s that preceded it.

Close to midnight of June 25, 1975, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed proclaimed the Emergency citing "internal disturbance". It was lifted on March 21, 1977.

A photo of the notification of the proclamation of the Emergency has also been displayed, as also of the notification on the lifting of the Emergency.

The exhibition which also has digital display screens, begins with images of ancient emblems that symbolised the ethos of democracy.

Photos of rare clippings of newspapers carrying screaming headlines such as 'President Declares Emergency' have also been displayed.

One segment also portrays the demolition drive conducted in Turkman Gate area of Delhi and the mass sterilisation campaigns of the government.

Images of prison diary excerpts of various political prisoners, including Jayaprakash Narayan and actress Snehalata Reddy are also part of the exhibition, that includes paintings by few artists on the theme if the Emergency.

Commemorative events will be held across the country to mark the 50th anniversary of the imposition of the Emergency, the ministry had said on Tuesday.

"The solemn occasion will serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding democratic values and constitutional rights," it had said in a statement.

Underlining that the Emergency remains "one of the darkest chapters" in India's post-independence history, the ministry said, "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," it said.

A team from the National School of Drama team also presented a dramatisation skit on the Emergency era, highlighting its impact on common citizens and democratic institutions, and the specially commissioned film will offer a cinematic reflection on the imposition and consequences of the Emergency.