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News18
6 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Modi As Sikh To Priest: Book Reveals How PM Used Different Disguises During Emergency
Last Updated: The details of how Narendra Modi escaped the authorities have been revealed in a book released by Home Minister Amit Shah, 'The Emergency Diaries: Years that Forged a Leader' Did you know that Narendra Modi, during the Emergency days, always stayed in a house with two or more exit routes, and strategised till the last detail while organising clandestine meetings? Or that he disguised himself as a Sikh, a Swamiji, as an incense stick vendor, and also a Pathan? Such details have been revealed in a book released by Home Minister Amit Shah, 'The Emergency Diaries: Years that Forged a Leader', by the Bluekraft Digital Foundation. The book is based on anecdotes from people who worked closely with him during the times of the Emergency, or interacted with him on various occasions. 'The Emergency Diaries' chronicles my journey during the Emergency years. It brought back many memories from that time. I call upon all those who remember those dark days of the Emergency or those whose families suffered during that time to share their experiences on social… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 25, 2025 They reveal that during the Emergency days, Modi would only stay in houses with two or more exit routes. Also, Modi carefully selected the houses where meetings would be held. The choice of these houses was made with great discretion. When choosing these houses, Modi ensured that in the event of a police raid, a clear escape strategy was in place. These meetings were coined as 'Chandan ka Karyakram' by Modi, the book reveals. Like, in one instance, Modi selected a house with four doors, so even if the police come through one or two doors, he and others could easily escape. Modi also directed to scatter the shoes and slippers in a disorganized manner outside the house where a meeting takes place. He said that since the shoes and slippers were arranged so neatly outside, anyone could easily infer that a Sangh meeting was happening, the book reveals. When the Emergency was imposed, I was a young RSS Pracharak. The anti-Emergency movement was a learning experience for me. It reaffirmed the vitality of preserving our democratic framework. At the same time, I got to learn so much from people across the political spectrum. I am… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 25, 2025 Modi would travel in different disguises, portraying himself as a priest and in various other attire. One day, he came to the house of a Sangh worker in the guise of a Swamiji. He went so far as to meet fellow activists inside the jail in the guise of Swamiji, the book says. To avoid arrest during the Emergency days, Modi frequently adopted the disguise of Sardarji to continue his activities. His Sardarji disguise was so convincing that even close acquaintances failed to recognise him. Modi traveled across the country in various disguises —sometimes as an incense stick vendor, other times as a Pathan. His transformations were so convincing that even those who knew him couldn't recognise him, the book says. The book cites an anecdote when Modi, dressed in Sikh attire, hired an auto-rickshaw. 'To his surprise, he realised that the auto-rickshaw driver was also a tall and attractive Sardarji. Upon seeing a Sikh passenger, the auto-rickshaw driver began an enthusiastic conversation in Punjabi. At this point, there was a danger that the disguise might be exposed, revealing that Modi was not a genuine Sardarji but merely dressed as one. However, Modi continued to handle the situation with self-assurance, responding to the auto-rickshaw driver and apologising for his weak Punjabi. Modi told the driver, 'I was born in Gujarat and have grown up here.' With his self-confidence and quick thinking, Modi saved himself that day," the book says. Narendra Modi's colleagues abroad sent photocopies of 'Satyavani' and other newspapers published internationally that featured articles opposing the #DarkDaysOfEmergency. He would ensure copies of those materials were prepared and then deliver them to the jails. Additionally,… — Modi Archive (@modiarchive) June 25, 2024 The book says that Modi's name became prominent in police dossiers and posed a significant challenge for him to evade arrest. Modi also believed that despite the closure of Sangh shakhas, RSS workers should maintain contact with the people and families associated with the organization. During the Emergency in 1975, when all newspapers were banned and there was no other source of news, the Panchjanya magazine would arrive weekly. RSS workers used to hide it and bring the copies to the office. In those days, there were restrictions imposed on the shakhas of the Sangh. Narendra Modi guided on how to maintain contact even in such circumstances and ensure that the magazine reached all the workers and activists, the book says. In collaboration with senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leaders like Nath Zagda and Vasant Gajendragadkar, Modi found innovative ways to disseminate information to other states. Recognising the risks associated with using the postal system, he suggested utilizing the railway network instead, the book says. 'He believed that approach would make it easier to send anti-Emergency literature to other states while minimizing the risk of getting caught. He loaded materials related to the Constitution and the Congress government's excesses onto trains departing from Gujarat and successfully disseminated such literature to various parts of the country with a considerably lower risk of detection. Ahmedabad was well connected by railway to Bihar, Kolkata, Madras, and Uttar Pradesh. Therefore, he suggested that activists use the railway for sending messages, pamphlets, and booklets. If sent through the postal system, there was a fear of getting caught during the Emergency days," the book says. 'सरदार" के वेश से लेकर 'बटुक भाई" बनने तक, नरेंद्र मोदी के आपातकाल का सफ़र।सुनिए #Emergency के कुछ अनसुने किस्से आज की #ModiStory में। @themodistory — Modi Story (@themodistory) June 25, 2022 top videos View all Modi rose to the occasion. He not only ensured the regular publication of anti- Emergency literature but also took on the perilous responsibility of distributing it throughout Gujarat. Modi suggested that they place the literature in stores such as barbershops so that people coming there could read it. He thought people were more likely to read it in such places than at home, the book mentions. Modi also sought help from businesspersons and affluent individuals to discreetly arrange for the distribution of provisions to the families of the jailed activists. 'This helped maintain hope for those in jail. Modi kept track of the families of every leader and activist in jail, inquiring about the number of children and whether they had enough to eat," the book says. About the Author Aman Sharma Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Minister's More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : emergency indira gandhi Narendra Modi news18 specials Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 25, 2025, 16:03 IST News india Modi As Sikh To Priest: Book Reveals How PM Used Different Disguises During Emergency
NDTV
9 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
"I Was Young RSS Pracharak": PM Introduces Book On His Emergency Journey
New Delhi: As the country marked 50 years of Emergency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced a book that chronicles his experience during those years and how they shaped his journey as a leader. 'The Emergency Diaries', presented by BlueKraft Digital Foundation, relies on first-person accounts of associates who worked with him back then, and other archival material. "'The Emergency Diaries' chronicles my journey during the Emergency years. It brought back many memories from that time. I call upon all those who remember those dark days of the Emergency or those whose families suffered during that time to share their experiences on social media. It will create awareness among the youth of the shameful time from 1975 to 1977," the Prime Minister posted on X. 'The Emergency Diaries' chronicles my journey during the Emergency years. It brought back many memories from that time. I call upon all those who remember those dark days of the Emergency or those whose families suffered during that time to share their experiences on social… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 25, 2025 "When the Emergency was imposed, I was a young RSS Pracharak. The anti-Emergency movement was a learning experience for me. It reaffirmed the vitality of preserving our democratic framework. At the same time, I got to learn so much from people across the political spectrum. I am glad that BlueKraft Digital Foundation has compiled some of those experiences in the form of a book, whose foreword has been penned by Shri HD Deve Gowda Ji, himself a stalwart of the anti-Emergency movement," he said. When the Emergency was imposed, I was a young RSS Pracharak. The anti-Emergency movement was a learning experience for me. It reaffirmed the vitality of preserving our democratic framework. At the same time, I got to learn so much from people across the political spectrum. I am… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 25, 2025 BlueKraft Digital Foundation said the book is a first of its kind and "creates new scholarship on the formative years of a young man who would give it his all in the fight against tyranny". "Emergency Diaries - paints a vivid picture of Narendra Modi fighting for the ideals of democracy and how he has worked all his life to preserve and promote it. This book is a tribute to the grit and resolve of those who refused to be silenced, and it offers a rare glimpse into the early trials that forged one of the most transformative leaders of our time," he said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will launch the book this evening. In a separate post, the Prime Minister said the country marks the anniversary of the Emergency as Samvidhan Hatya Divas. "On this day, the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution were set aside, fundamental rights were suspended, press freedom was extinguished and several political leaders, social workers, students and ordinary citizens were jailed. It was as if the Congress Government in power at that time placed democracy under arrest," he said. "No Indian will ever forget the manner in which the spirit of our Constitution was violated, the voice of Parliament muzzled and attempts were made to control the courts. The 42nd Amendment is a prime example of their shenanigans. The poor, marginalised and downtrodden were particularly targeted, including their dignity insulted." Today marks fifty years since one of the darkest chapters in India's democratic history, the imposition of the Emergency. The people of India mark this day as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas. On this day, the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution were set aside, fundamental rights… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 25, 2025 The Prime Minister said the country salutes every person who stood firm in the fight against the Emergency. "These were the people from all over India, from all walks of life, from diverse ideologies who worked closely with each other with one aim: to protect India's democratic fabric and to preserve the ideals for which our freedom fighters devoted their lives. It was their collective struggle that ensured that the then Congress Government had to restore democracy and call for fresh elections, which they badly lost," the Prime Minister said. "We also reiterate our commitment to strengthening the principles in our Constitution and working together to realise our vision of a Viksit Bharat. May we scale new heights of progress and fulfil the dreams of the poor and downtrodden," he said. On June 25 1975, the Indira Gandhi government imposed a nationwide Emergency. The government cited threats to national security, an economy in a shambles due to the global oil crisis and pointed to how strikes had paralysed production. The declaration of the state of Emergency suspended fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. The right to challenge this in court was also suspended. The 21-month Emergency is a landmark event that altered the course of Indian politics. In the 1979 elections, Indira Gandhi was voted out and the Janata Party coalition came to power.
India Gazette
10 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Anti-emergency movement reaffirmed vitality of democracy: PM Modi on Samvidhan Hatya Diwas
New Delhi [India], June 25 (ANI): The BlueKraft Digital Foundation has published a new book titled 'The Emergency Diaries - Years that Forged a Leader,' which explores the significant role played by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the anti-Emergency movement in India. The book is based on first-person anecdotes from associates who worked with Modi during that time and uses archival material to provide a unique perspective on his formative years. The book delves into PM Modi's experiences as a young RSS Pracharak during the Emergency, highlighting his contributions to the movement and his commitment to preserving democracy. With the book launch, the Prime Minister also urged the families who suffered through the 1975 emergency, to share their experience on social media to create awareness among the young people. 'When the Emergency was imposed, I was a young RSS Pracharak. The anti-Emergency movement was a learning experience for me. It reaffirmed the vitality of preserving our democratic framework. At the same time, I got to learn so much from people across the political spectrum,' PM Modi wrote in a post on X. The book features a special foreword written by former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, a key figure in the anti-Emergency movement. Urging the families to share their experiences in 1975, the PM wrote in another post, ''The Emergency Diaries' chronicles my journey during the Emergency years. It brought back many memories from that time. I call upon all those who remember those dark days of the Emergency or those whose families suffered during that time to share their experiences on social media. It will create awareness among the youth of the shameful time from 1975 to 1977.' Union Home Minister Amit Shah will launch the book, marking an important milestone in documenting India's democratic history. 'The Emergency Diaries' offers insights into the early trials that shaped Modi's leadership and his dedication to democracy, providing a rare glimpse into his transformative years. 'Based on first-person anecdotes from associates who worked with young Modi, and using other archival material, the book is a first of its kind that creates new scholarship on the formative years of a young man who would give it his all in the fight against tyranny. Emergency Diaries - paints a vivid picture of Narendra Modi fighting for the ideals of democracy and how he has worked all his life to preserve and promote it,' the publisher said about the book in a post on X. The book is a tribute to the grit and resolve of those who fought against the Emergency, refusing to be silenced and working tirelessly to preserve India's democratic framework. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the imposition of an Emergency, which was enacted by former PM Indira Gandhi at midnight on June 25, 1975. The emergency lasted for 21 months until March 21, 1977. Just 13 days before the Emergency, the Allahabad High Court nullified the election of Indira Gandhi from her Rae Bareli constituency. Subsequently, Emergency proclamations were issued under Article 352, citing 'internal unrest.' Justice Jagmohanlal Sinha of the Allahabad High Court found Prime Minister Indira Gandhi guilty under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and disqualified her from holding any elected office for six years. Raj Narain, the founder of the Janata Party (Secular), filed the case. The party eventually merged with the Janata Dal. Narain lost to former PM Gandhi from her Rae Bareli seat. Freedom of the press and speech were curtailed, among other rights, and multiple opposition leaders, including Jayaprakash Narayan, Morarji Desai, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, LK Advani, and others, were arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA). According to an official statement by the central government, nearly 35 thousand people were detained under MISA. Multiple laws and constitutional amendments were also passed, which curtailed the powers of the courts, along with enacting pre-censorship in media, and a sterilisation campaign of lakhs of people, among other things. (ANI)
United News of India
10 hours ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Anti-Emergency movement reaffirmed vitality of preserving India's democracy: PM
New Delhi, June 25 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today reiterated his commitment to strengthening the principles of Constitution and working together to realise the vision of a Viksit Bharat and said the anti-Emergency movement reaffirmed the vitality of preserving India's democratic framework. In a series of tweets on the occasion marking fifty years since the imposition of the Emergency, the Prime Minister paid tributes to those Indians who defended democracy during ''one of the darkest chapters in the nation's history.'' Recalling the grave assault on constitutional values, he said June 25 is observed as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas — a day when fundamental rights were suspended, press freedom was extinguished, and countless political leaders, social workers, students and ordinary citizens imprisoned. 'No Indian will ever forget the manner in which the spirit of our Constitution was violated, the voice of Parliament muzzled and attempts were made to control the courts. The 42nd Amendment is a prime example of their shenanigans. The poor, marginalised and downtrodden were particularly targeted, including their dignity insulted.'' He called upon all those who remember the days of the Emergency or those whose families suffered during that time to share their experiences on social media to create awareness among the youth of the shameful time from 1975 to 1977. 'Today marks fifty years since one of the darkest chapters in India's democratic history, the imposition of the Emergency. The people of India mark this day as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas. On this day, the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution were set aside, fundamental rights were suspended, press freedom was extinguished and several political leaders, social workers, students and ordinary citizens were jailed. It was as if the Congress Government in power at that time placed democracy under arrest! #SamvidhanHatyaDiwas' 'We salute every person who stood firm in the fight against the Emergency! These were the people from all over India, from all walks of life, from diverse ideologies who worked closely with each other with one aim: to protect India's democratic fabric and to preserve the ideals for which our freedom fighters devoted their lives. It was their collective struggle that ensured that the then Congress Government had to restore democracy and call for fresh elections, which they badly lost. #SamvidhanHatyaDiwas' 'We also reiterate our commitment to strengthening the principles in our Constitution and working together to realise our vision of a Viksit Bharat. May we scale new heights of progress and fulfil the dreams of the poor and downtrodden. #SamvidhanHatyaDiwas' 'When the Emergency was imposed, I was a young RSS Pracharak. The anti-Emergency movement was a learning experience for me. It reaffirmed the vitality of preserving our democratic framework. At the same time, I got to learn so much from people across the political spectrum. I am glad that BlueKraft Digital Foundation has compiled some of those experiences in the form of a book, whose foreword has been penned by HD Deve Gowda, himself a stalwart of the anti-Emergency movement. ''The Emergency Diaries' chronicles my journey during the Emergency years. It brought back many memories from that time. I call upon all those who remember those dark days of the Emergency or those whose families suffered during that time to share their experiences on social media. It will create awareness among the youth of the shameful time from 1975 to 1977. UNI RB GNK 1046
The Hindu
12 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
No Indian will ever forget manner in which spirit of Constitution was violated: PM Modi on Emergency
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (June 25, 2025) said no Indian will ever forget the manner in which the spirit of the Constitution was violated and the Parliament was muzzled. In a series of posts on X on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, Mr. Modi said it was one of the darkest chapters in India's democratic history. 'Today marks fifty years since one of the darkest chapters in India's democratic history, the imposition of the Emergency. The people of India mark this day as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas. On this day, the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution were set aside, fundamental rights were suspended, press freedom was extinguished and several political leaders, social workers, students and ordinary citizens were jailed. It was as if the Congress Government in power at that time placed democracy under arrest!' Mr. Modi said. The values enshrined in the Constitution were set aside, fundamental rights suspended, press freedom extinguished and a large number of political leaders, social workers, students and ordinary citizens jailed, he noted. The 42nd Amendment, which made extensive changes to the Constitution and was reversed by the Janata Party government, is a prime example of the shenanigans of the Congress government that imposed Emergency, he said. He added that the poor, marginalised and downtrodden were particularly targeted, including their dignity insulted.' 'We also reiterate our commitment to strengthening the principles in our Constitution and working together to realise our vision of a Viksit Bharat. May we scale new heights of progress and fulfil the dreams of the poor and downtrodden,' Mr. Modi said. He also called for everyone to salute every person who fought against Emergency. 'People from all walks of life and diverse ideologies worked to protect democracy,' he said. The Prime Minister also said when the Emergency was imposed, he was a young RSS pracharak and the anti-Emergency movement was a learning experience for him. When the Emergency was imposed, I was a young RSS Pracharak. The anti-Emergency movement was a learning experience for me. It reaffirmed the vitality of preserving our democratic framework. At the same time, I got to learn so much from people across the political spectrum. I am… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 25, 2025 When the Emergency was imposed, I was a young RSS Pracharak, and the anti-Emergency movement was a learning experience for me, Mr. Modi said in a post on X. 'It reaffirmed the vitality of preserving our democratic framework. At the same time, I got to learn so much from people across the political spectrum. I am glad that BlueKraft Digital Foundation has compiled some of those experiences in the form of a book, whose foreword has been penned by Shri HD Deve Gowda Ji, himself a stalwart of the anti-Emergency movement,' Mr. Modi further said.
