When I began to read an Article by GopalKrishna Gandhi, a former civil servant and a professor of history in Ashoka University, on this day 25 June 2015, which marks forty years of Emergency in India, I did not expect any topic less intensified. When the author tried to connect two person, Tsar Nicholas I, Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Yoga Day and a period, which is considered as Dark Days of largest Democracy in world, it almost felt he is trying to achieve the impossible.
Tsar Nicholas I, a Russian ruler is known for organizing strong military. He is credited with Chess-Board pattern of Drills performed by military. Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi is also famous for making a strong impact by using military power. She waged a war on East Pakistan, giving rise to formation of Bangladesh. She is even credited as "Women of Millennium". Certain sections argue, she is raised by her father to be a leader, with complete determination and discipline. The Author, linked the military actions of Indira Gandhi and Tsar Nicholas I, thus establishing a strong point and giving a clarity on what he is trying to achieve.
Prime Minister Narendra modi, who is still riding on the wave created by him, for himself during 2014 General Elections, had not created much impact on military yet. From the day, he assumed office, he seems to working on the economic condition of country, in contrast with both Tsar Nicholas I and Indira Gandhi. Tsar Nicholas I, in his urge to raise military strength, almost destroyed the economic stability of the country.
Here, author brought up "Emergency", giving a glimpse of those dark days. The author criticised the effects of emergency, effects on economy, freedom of press, people, administration and fear, calling it a Bhaya'yoga.
Assuring us that, Emergency may not be possible again, after constitutional amendments of 1978, he brings into light, those factor, which helped us survive the Emergency. The Author's tone is filled with pride, when he tried to explain the United Vibe of Indian Nationals, which helped us overcome the dark times.
Before, even we ask a question, he begins to answer it, almost achieving the impossible. Some questions still taunt us, What could Indira have felt about Emergency?! In an interview in 2002, giving by Sonia Gandhi, when asked the same question, she ended the interview saying that she may write a book, may be after 20 odd years.
The democracy, which led us into such a situation called "Emergency", is still strong, may be we should say, it is much stronger now.
"United we stand, stronger and longer we strive."
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