PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Imposing the Emergency was no less than an earthquake that destroyed the foundation of democracy and today’s youth must never forget its darkness, the Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said. He stated this while addressing people at the golden jubilee celebrations of Kumaun University in Nainital on Wednesday. He said that during the Emergency, the role of the Supreme Court was severely diminished and the rulings of nine High Courts were overturned. Reflecting on the events that began 50 years ago on the night of June 25, Dhankhar described the Emergency as an unprecedented assault on democratic values.
He stated that the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, facing an adverse HC judgment, bypassed the Cabinet and imposed the Emergency for personal interest. The President, he said, signed the proclamation, crushing constitutional principles. What followed was a 21-month-long dark period marked by the erosion of civil liberties and massive crackdowns. He said that over 1.4 lakh people were jailed without access to the justice system, stripped of their fundamental rights. Though nine HCs courageously ruled that fundamental rights could not be suspended, the SC overruled them, siding with the executive. “The Court declared that Emergency proclamations could not be judicially reviewed and denied citizens any fundamental rights during that period. This was a huge betrayal to the people,” he added.
Dhankhar said that today’s youth must not remain unaware of this grim chapter in Indian history. “We must remember what happened to the Press, who were jailed and how those same individuals later became Presidents and Prime Ministers. That is why the government has decided to observe this day as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas to ensure such abuse never repeats and to identify those responsible for crushing constitutional and human rights,” he said. Focusing on education, Dhankhar said that institutions must not merely provide degrees but act as natural laboratories for ideas and innovation. Highlighting the role of alumni in the development of educational institutions, Dhankhar called on former students of Kumaun University to contribute back. “If 1,00,000 alumni each contribute Rs 10,000 annually, the university can raise Rs 100 crore every year and become self-reliant,” he said.
He stated that alumni are not only sources of financial support but also provide mentorship and direction to current students. Governor lieutenant general Gurmit Singh (Retd) also praised Kumaun University for reaching academic excellence and extending the light of knowledge to the remotest corners. He said the university continues to inspire Uttarakhand’s youth in innovation, research and leadership. He stated that universities should not merely educate but also shape responsible, motivated and trained citizens. Before the event, Dhankhar also planted two saplings in the name of his late parents at Hermitage Bhawan. The event was also attended by Education minister Dhan Singh Rawat, local MLAs and others.
Vice President gets sick during Nainital visit
NAINITAL: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar felt unwell during an event at Kumaun University in Nainital on Wednesday. He had experienced discomfort while travelling and reported symptoms of low blood pressure. Immediate medical attention was provided and his condition has since stabilised. The incident occurred during his visit to participate in the university’s golden jubilee celebrations.
After delivering a 45-minute speech at the event, he reunited with former Nainital MP Mahendra Pal. On his way back from the programme, Dhankhar felt uneasy after which doctors examined him at the Raj Bhawan in Nainital, where he was taken for monitoring and care. Health minister Dhan Singh Rawat confirmed that the Vice President had briefly fallen ill after the programme but is now stable and under observation. Dhankhar had arrived in Nainital earlier in the day as part of a three-day official visit. He had flown from Bareilly to Haldwani helipad and then proceeded by road to Nainital. The rest of his scheduled programmes are expected to continue as planned.
