JUNE 25: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, addressing the Golden Jubilee celebration of Kumaon University in Nainital, described the imposition of Emergency in 1975 as an “earthquake that destroyed democracy” and a time when constitutional values were gravely undermined. Recalling the events of 50 years ago, he stated that the declaration of Emergency represented “a dark night” where the Cabinet was bypassed and constitutional processes were trampled upon.
He criticized the Supreme Court’s role during the period, stating that while nine High Courts upheld the sanctity of Fundamental Rights even during Emergency, the apex court overturned those decisions, ruling that rights could be suspended and the Emergency declaration was beyond judicial review. “The highest court of the land got eclipsed,” Dhankhar said, calling it a severe setback to democracy.
Highlighting the repression, the Vice President noted that over 1.4 lakh individuals were imprisoned, stripped of access to justice. “The youth of today must not remain unaware of this darkest period,” he urged, advocating for the commemoration of ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ to ensure such violations never recur. “Those who were jailed later became Presidents and Prime Ministers,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of historical awareness among students.
Dhankhar also praised Justice H.R. Khanna, the lone dissenter in the infamous ADM Jabalpur case, calling him a beacon of judicial integrity. “A U.S. newspaper once wrote, if democracy returns to India, a monument must be built for him,” he added.
Turning to the role of educational institutions, the Vice President emphasized the value of campus learning as a crucible of innovation. “Campuses are more than degree factories—they shape minds, spark ideation, and drive national change,” he said. Urging students to embrace a mindset of action, he borrowed a popular slogan, saying, “Just do it—and do it now.”
He also encouraged alumni involvement, highlighting the potential for self-sustaining growth. “If 100,000 alumni contribute just ₹10,000 annually, ₹100 crore can be raised each year,” he pointed out, calling for a strong alumni association from “Dev Bhoomi” to support future generations.
