‘Introducing ‘socialist', ‘secular' into the Preamble was a deadly sin'
I consider the introduction of the words 'socialist' and 'secular' into the Preamble of the Constitution a deadly sin committed through the 42nd Amendment, to show that it was not the Constitution, but the will of the ruler, which was supreme.—The author is a former judge of the Delhi High CourtSubscribe to India Today Magazine- EndsMust Watch
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News18
23 minutes ago
- News18
A Decade Of Dedication: PM Modi's Journey As Pradhan Sevak Aiming For Development
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has united the dreams of 140 crore Indians into a nation that radiates hope and progress As we mark 11 years of Seva, Sushasan, and Garib Kalyan under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi, I am reminded of a timeless teaching from the Bhagavad Gita, where Lord Krishna imparts to Arjuna the essence of true leadership: ' न हि कश्चित्क्षणमपि जातु तिष्ठत्यकर्मकृत् " (Chapter 3, Verse 5)—no one can remain inactive even for a moment, for action is inevitable. Yet, the Gita also teaches us that the highest form of action is selfless service, where a leader becomes a servant to the greater good, placing the welfare of others above personal gain. This resonates deeply with the profound truth that 'service is the true responsibility" echoed by our Prime Minister. I see this ideal of a servant leader – 'A Karma Yogi" in our Prime Minister, who has dedicated every moment to the service of the nation, embodying Seva (service), Sushasan (good governance), and Garib Kalyan (welfare of the poor). As the Member of Parliament from Vadodara, a city that has witnessed your vision firsthand, I am honored to reflect on the PM's unparalleled contributions and their impact on our constituency, state and the nation at large. LEADERSHIP AS THE CHIEF MINISTER OF GUJARAT The journey of our Prime Minister is deeply inspiring because he has not merely seen garibi (poverty) through someone else's eyes, but he has felt it first hand. Born into a humble family in Vadnagar, Gujarat, he experienced the struggles of the poor. This intimate connection with poverty has shaped his vision, ensuring that every policy crafted by him addresses the lived realities of the marginalised. The utmost respect for the Constitution of India has been a guiding light throughout his leadership. When Narendra Modi was Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2010, he organised the Samvidhan Gaurav Yatra in Surendranagar to mark 60 years of the Constitution. A replica of the Constitution was placed on an elephant, and the procession covered parts of the city. I recall how our Prime Minister walked in that procession, which was a unique tribute to the document that unites our nation. After becoming the Prime Minister, he further honoured this legacy by declaring November 26 as Constitution Day. This initiative has fostered a deeper understanding of constitutional values among citizens, ensuring that Sushasan remains rooted in justice and equality. Modi positioned Gujarat as an investor-friendly state. The Vibrant Gujarat Summit became a platform to attract global investments. The summit had garnered billions in commitments, transforming the state into an industrial powerhouse. The PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) portal is a testament to the vision for transparent and efficient governance, a concept rooted in the PM's Gujarat tenure. As the CM, he introduced digital monitoring systems like the SWAGAT program to address grievances, a precursor to PRAGATI. Nationally, PRAGATI has tracked projects worth over Rs 20.64 lakh crore, a true embodiment of Sushasan that I have witnessed transforming Gujarat and India. Since taking responsibility in 2014, Narendra Modi has brought governance to every doorstep. He has not only tackled convenient targets but also embraced challenging ones, leading as an inclusive leader rather than a boss. For instance, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan marked a historic step toward a clean future, making 95% of villages in India open-defecation-free by 2024, with over 12 crore toilets built by 2025, where Gujarat achieved 100% coverage in all districts. These efforts have transformed lives at the grassroots level, ensuring better sanitation, reducing waterborne diseases, and empowering rural communities, particularly women, with dignity and safety. Ensuring the poor are part of the economic mainstream, the Jan Dhan Yojana paired with the JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile), revolutionised financial inclusion by opening 53 crore accounts by 2025, with 55% held by women and 67% in rural/semi-urban areas in Gujarat, empowering every Indian with banking access; total deposits have crossed Rs 2.3 lakh crore, and over 37 crore RuPay cards have been issued. Before JAM, middlemen siphoned off subsidies; now, your vision has ensured transparency. For instance, schemes like PAHAL have saved thousands of crores by eliminating 3.34 crore duplicate LPG accounts, ensuring benefits reach the deserving, a true hallmark of Sushasan. The Prime Minister has ensured that every project under his leadership follows an end-to-end approach, from foundation to feedback. This includes robust implementation and corruption-free processes, which have significantly enhanced the credibility of governance. Over 4 crore pucca houses have been built under the PM Awas Yojana, giving every family a home of dignity, thereby enhancing their stability and access to better opportunities. The government has ensured food security for 81 crore people through the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, the world's largest food security scheme. Our Annadatas are the backbone of Bharat. The Centre resolved to empower them from Beej Se Bazaar Tak by ensuring their prosperity and protecting farmers from every risk. The 2025-26 agriculture budget, increased five-fold to Rs 1 lakh crore, which significantly uplifted farmers. Under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Rs 3.7 lakh crore has been disbursed to 11 crore farmers, enabling investment in better inputs and reducing debt dependency. The PM Fasal Bima Yojana settled Rs 1.75 lakh crore in claims, offering a safety net against crop losses and encouraging modern farming practices. The Poshan Abhiyaan addresses malnutrition in children and mothers, a key issue linked to poverty. In Gujarat, the Poshan Tracker has facilitated monitoring of nutritional programmes, reaching over 1.21 crore beneficiaries till 2024. At the grassroots level, this has ensured that children and mothers in rural and tribal areas receive timely nutritional support, reducing malnutrition rates, improving health outcomes, and breaking the cycle of poverty by enabling healthier, more productive lives. Under the PM's leadership, the NDA has broadened its team, adding more voices rather than diminishing them, reflecting Modi's inclusive vision. He introduced the term 'Divyangjan" for the differently-abled, replacing 'Viklang" to honor their unique abilities. Nationally, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, increased reservation in government jobs from 3% to 4%, benefiting over 1 lakh Divyangjan annually and showcasing his commitment to their inclusion in Viksit Bharat. EDUCATION AND EMPOWERMENT The Prime Minister's focus on education has been transformative, starting from his days as the Gujarat CM. He launched Shala Praveshotsav – celebrating a child's first day at school with festivities, and Gunotsav – an educational quality assessment programme. These initiatives increased retention rates, reduced dropout rates to single digits, boosted enrollment, and improved female literacy in Gujarat. The Kanya Kelavani campaign turned a depressing environment into a festival by involving top state officers to seek people's participation for the cause of education. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, a landmark reform, has revolutionised education by emphasising skill development, mother-tongue learning, and holistic growth. AIIMS tripled to 23; 8 new IIMs, 7 new IITs, and 490 new universities were established. The development of Bharat is incomplete without the development of its Nari Shakti. The government believed in women-led development, ensuring dignity, safety, and empowerment at every stage of a woman's life. Sex ratio at birth has risen to 1,020 women per 1,000 men. The Maternal Mortality Rate declined to 80. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam guarantees 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. This has led to increased representation of women's issues and encouraged more women to contest elections. OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH AND POLITICAL INCLUSION The Prime Minister's approach toward the Yuva Shakti is inspiring. He believed in their 'Can Do' spirit, transforming them from job seekers into job creators, and has expressed, 'Don't do something just to gain status, do it to drive change and advance society." At the Red Fort, the PM expressed his vision to bring 1 lakh youth without political lineage into politics, a promise he truly fulfilled. As one of the youngest MPs from the BJP, I feel immense pride in being part of this vision. I come from a non-political background, and my journey to becoming Vadodara's MP is a testament to the PM's commitment to nurturing new leaders. He doesn't just talk—he acts, ensuring that common people like me can serve the nation, embodying Seva through political inclusion. Modi has aligned his governance with the times, understanding that today's youth are passionate about technology, gaming, and coding. Initiatives like Hackathons, Pariksha Pe Charcha, where he interacts directly with students and makes examinations a festival rather than a burden, with 2 crore students participating in 2025. BHARAT'S TECHADE Digital India connected every corner through digital payments, with UPI transactions hitting Rs 24 lakh crore, enabling even the most remote vendors and small businesses to thrive in a cashless economy, fostering financial empowerment at the grassroots. Moreover, 5G rolled out in 99.6% of districts in just 22 months and Rs 44 lakh crore transferred via the Direct Benefit Transfer system, finally cutting the middlemen and reducing corruption. The Prime Minister's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives have not only reduced import dependency but also positioned India as a manufacturing powerhouse, aligning with the Amrit Kaal goal of Viksit Bharat. Modern railways powered by Vande Bharat trains have redefined travel, with Vadodara benefiting from faster connectivity. Chandrayaan-3 made India the first to land on the Moon's south pole in 2023, fuelling our space ambitions. GLOBAL LEADERSHIP Amid global challenges like the post-pandemic recovery, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, economic slowdown, and geopolitical tensions, India hosted the G20 Summit in 2023. The theme of India's G20 presidency is 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्), meaning 'World is One Family'—One Earth, One Family, One Future — promoted an inclusive vision for global unity. This landmark event elevated India's global stature, showcasing its ability to lead and foster unity during a time of widespread polarisation and crises, while addressing the struggles of vulnerable sections still recovering from the pandemic. The Prime Minister's vision brought global recognition to yoga, with the United Nations declaring June 21 as International Yoga Day in 2014. As part of the delegation for Operation Sindoor, I witnessed the Indian diaspora in Muslim-majority countries like Indonesia and Malaysia preparing enthusiastically for Yoga Day 2025. VIKAS BHI, VIRASAT BHI Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has embarked on a remarkable journey to preserve its glorious heritage while fostering a modern, prosperous Bharat. World-class Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Mahakaal project, and Ram Mandir, 12+ km long Hemkund Sahib Ropeway project in Uttarakhand, are a reality now. He has paid profound tribute to India's heroes by spearheading the creation of iconic landmarks that celebrate their legacy. Honouring our heroes through the Statue of Unity, Panchteerth, National War Memorial, and the Statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose unveiled at India Gate. NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY Modi's zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism has been a cornerstone of his national security strategy, ensuring India's sovereignty and safety. This commitment was demonstrated through decisive actions such as the surgical strikes in 2016, the Balakot air strike in 2019, and Operation Sindoor 2025. Our defence exports reached Rs 23,622 crore (34-fold rise). 75% of the capital acquisition budget is earmarked for domestic production. India's indigenously developed Helicopters 'Prachanda', missile systems Akash, and BrahMos are used by the Armed Forces to crush enemies. As a Member of Parliament, I had the privilege of witnessing this commitment firsthand during my delegation visit, where I saw the determination of our armed forces and the strategic clarity of our leadership in action. These operations not only dismantled terror networks but also boosted the morale of our security forces, demonstrating India's capability to respond swiftly and effectively to threats. The Revocation of Article 370 brought peace and progress to Jammu and Kashmir, integrating it fully into India's growth story. In his era, one remarkable aspect we have noticed is how India has leveraged its geographical location in Asia to emerge as a Vishwa Guru. During the challenging times of COVID-19, while global economies faltered, India's vaccination drive administered over 220 crore doses and aided the world via Vaccine Maitri, which supplied 30 crore+ vaccines to 100+ countries. Our economy is not just growing; it's reaching for Space. Bharat is proudly emerging as the world's fourth-largest economy. This is a testament to the focus on inclusive growth and strategic positioning in Asia. top videos View all The Garib, Yuva, Annadata, and Nari Shakti—every Indian stands as both a contributor and a beneficiary in the inspiring journey of Viksit Bharat. Like a masterful weaver crafting a luminous tapestry, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has united the dreams of 140 crore Indians into a nation that radiates hope and progress. As we progress toward Viksit Bharat, his legacy shines brightly, guiding us to a future where every heart swells with pride for Bharat Mata. Hemang Joshi is a BJP MP from Vadodara. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. tags : Narendra Modi view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 23, 2025, 19:44 IST News opinion Opinion | A Decade Of Dedication: PM Modi's Journey As Pradhan Sevak Aiming For Development Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
23 minutes ago
- News18
Never Again: Why The Emergency Must Remain In Our Collective Memory
Last Updated: Let June 25 stand as a day of national remembrance, a reminder that democracy is fragile, that freedom is precious, and that the cost of silence can be too high On June 25, 1975, the lights of Indian democracy were abruptly turned off. In a chilling announcement broadcast on All India Radio, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared: 'The President has proclaimed the emergency. This is nothing to panic about." But panic there was, and for good reason. The declaration of the emergency marked the suspension of fundamental rights, the dismantling of democratic institutions, and the persecution of opposition leaders and ordinary citizens alike. As we observe 50 years of that traumatic chapter in Indian history, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's words resonate deeply: 'The Constitution of India was completely rejected; every part of the Constitution was torn to pieces, the country was turned into a prison, and democracy was completely suppressed." In the 18th Lok Sabha, Modi urged the nation to take a solemn pledge, 'a resolution of a vibrant democracy," so that such a tyranny never revisits our land. But remembering the Emergency is not just a political ritual; it is a civic duty. It is an obligation we owe to those who resisted, who were jailed, tortured, or silenced, and to future generations, who must know what happens when power becomes absolute. To institutionalise this collective remembrance, the Government of India has decided to observe June 25 every year as 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas.' This symbolic day will commemorate the massive contributions of all those who endured the inhuman pains of the 1975 Emergency. The announcement underlines the national commitment to safeguarding constitutional values and ensuring that history does not repeat itself. The events leading to June 25, 1975, had been brewing for years. After a resounding electoral victory in 1971 and a triumph in the Bangladesh Liberation War, Indira Gandhi was at the zenith of her popularity. Yet within just a few years, her political base began to erode. The economy was reeling. High inflation, unemployment, and food shortages had triggered widespread unrest. Students, trade unions, and civil society mobilised against rising authoritarianism. But it was the Allahabad High Court judgment of June 12, 1975, that lit the fuse. The court found Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractice and declared her election void, disqualifying her from holding office. Facing a political and legal crisis, Indira Gandhi acted with calculated decisiveness. On the night of June 25, she advised then-President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed to declare a state of emergency under Article 352 of the Constitution, citing 'internal disturbances." Her close aide and then West Bengal Chief Minister Siddhartha Shankar Ray reportedly drafted the request, laying the legal foundation for a move that would bypass Parliament, the judiciary, and the people. A Nation Held Hostage The Emergency, which lasted from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977, was arguably the most totalitarian phase in the history of independent India. Civil liberties were suspended, fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19, and 21 were nullified, the press was gagged, newspapers operated under censorship and the power supply to news offices was cut off. Nothing could be published without government approval. The only television channel, Doordarshan, became the mouthpiece of the ruling regime. The political Opposition was decapitated overnight. Arrests were swift and sweeping. Jayaprakash Narayan, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Rajnath Singh, Morarji Desai, LK Advani, George Fernandes, and Chaudhary Charan Singh were all jailed. Thousands of student activists, including Arun Jaitley, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Nitish Kumar, and Ram Vilas Paswan, were imprisoned. Countless others went underground or lived in fear. Under the draconian Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA), arrests could be made without a warrant or trial. Sanjay Gandhi, Indira's son, and an unelected power centre, oversaw mass sterilisation drives and slum demolitions that devastated poor communities in the name of urban 'beautification.' Those who resisted were silenced, often brutally. In jails and police stations, torture became routine. The judiciary too buckled under pressure. In a stunning judgment in the ADM Jabalpur case, the Supreme Court ruled that citizens had no remedy even if illegally detained. A Personal Account: Voices From The Shadows Many who lived through the Emergency still bear its scars. A former student activist, then 17, recently recounted how he was arrested, tortured, and jailed for publishing a small underground newspaper supporting JP's movement. 'I shall never forget those dark days," he said, echoing the trauma of thousands who stood up against authoritarianism. He was associated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the RSS, one of the few organised forces that resisted the Emergency. This is not just the story of one person; it is the story of a generation that was robbed of its voice, its rights, and its future for 21 months. The Aftermath: The People Fight Back In January 1977, sensing growing unrest and under the illusion that her popularity would secure her return, Indira Gandhi announced fresh elections. But the people of India spoke with resolute clarity. The Congress party suffered a historic defeat. Indira Gandhi herself lost in Rae Bareli to Raj Narain, the very man who had challenged her election. The Janata Party, a coalition of opposition forces, swept to power. Morarji Desai became the first non-Congress Prime Minister. The Maintenance of Internal Security Act was repealed, and a formal apology was offered to the nation. LK Advani, then Information & Broadcasting Minister, memorably rebuked the media's role during the Emergency, saying: 'When asked to bend, they were willing to crawl." The trauma of those months remains deeply embedded in India's democratic memory, a constant warning against unchecked power. Why Remembering The Emergency Matters Today As political temperatures rise and ideological battles rage, some may dismiss the Emergency as a relic of the past. But history is not just about what happened; it's about what could happen again. Democracies don't die in a day; they erode when citizens forget how hard they had to fight to preserve them. The lessons of the Emergency are eternal: Never take freedoms for granted Dissent is not sedition; it is the lifeblood of democracy An independent judiciary and press are non-negotiable Political power must always be accountable to the people India is, and must remain, the Mother of Democracy as Speaker Om Birla reminded Parliament. For that, we must nurture constitutional values with unwavering vigilance. A Call To The New Generation Prime Minister Modi aptly said, 'The new generation of India will never forget that the Constitution was torn to pieces." But for that to happen, they must be taught in schools, in homes, and in public discourse about those 21 months when the Constitution was suspended and democracy was held hostage. Let June 25 not pass as just another date in the calendar. Let it stand as a day of national remembrance, a reminder that democracy is fragile, that freedom is precious, and that the cost of silence can be too high. The government's move to institutionalise June 25 as 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' is a powerful step in that direction. It is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a civic warning and a democratic commitment. It ensures that we, as a nation, do not forget and do not forgive the betrayal of the constitutional order. As India marches toward its centenary of independence in 2047, the Emergency must serve as a stark cautionary tale. We must renew our pledge not merely to oppose dictatorship, but to champion liberty, protect institutions, and give voice to the voiceless. top videos View all Only then can we truly say ' never again." The writer is a technocrat, political analyst, and author. He pens national, geopolitical, and social issues. His social media handle is @prosenjitnth. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. About the Author Prosenjit Nath The writer is an Indian technocrat, political analyst, and author. tags : 1975 Emergency indira gandhi view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 25, 2025, 08:38 IST News opinion Opinion | Never Again: Why The Emergency Must Remain In Our Collective Memory Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Khelo Bharat Conclave seeks collective effort for Indian sports
The Union Government highlighted the way for National Sports Federations, State Governments, and Corporate houses towards playing a major role in taking Indian sports forward in the global arena, at the Khelo Bharat Conclave on Thursday. 'Sports is a public movement. We can set goals and achieve them only if we all work together,' said the Union Sports Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya. The Conclave saw four presentations on Sports governance reforms, Khelo Bharat Niti, India's medal-winning roadmap and the 'One Corporate One Sport' initiative. Every presentation was followed by an interactive session. 'By employing this integrated policy, India can shine in the world of entertainment, generate jobs and provide direction to the youth of India,' said the Minister of State for Sports, Raksha Khadse. 'I urge the National Sports Federations to provide a five-year policy by August and then we can develop a 10-year plan. With the Asian Games next year, we need a holistic approach because we not only want to win medals in the Olympics, but make sports a commercial property, inviting the world to come and play in India and boost sports tourism. We are happy to provide all support to NSFs, but we will also look at performance based grants,' Mandaviya said. Apart from good governance, there was discussion on improving the quality of coaches and sports administrators, enhance sports goods business and address the menace of doping.
