Emergency in the 70s dark period in India's history: PM Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described the imposition of the Emergency emergency which was imposed in the country in 1975 as "a dark period in the history of India".

"Millions of people opposed the emergency with all their might. The supporters of democracy were tortured so much during that time that even today, the mind shudders," the PM in the 102nd edition of his monthly radio show ‘Mann Ki Baat’.

“We can never forget June 25... I came across a new book on emergency which has many case studies and pictures of the time ... this will help people to understand the importance of democracy" he said.

Usually ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is held on the last Sunday of every month. But this time it was aired early this month because Modi is set to embark on a tate visit to the United States from June 21 to 24.

“Today, when we are celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, we must remember such crimes that endanger the freedom of this country. This will make it easier for the younger generation to understand the significance and importance of democracy" Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Modi opened the episode by shedding light on Cyclone Biparjoy and the trail of destruction it left in Kutch, and said, “The courage and preparedness with which the people of Kutch fought such a dangerous cyclone is unprecedented.”

"Once upon a time, after the devastating earthquake two decades ago, Kutch was said to never recover... Today the same district is one of the fastest developing districts of the country. I am confident that the people of Kutch will emerge swiftly from the devastation caused by Cyclone Byparjoy" he said.

Calling India's disaster management capacity an example to the world, Modi said," No one has any control over natural calamities, but the strength of disaster management that India has developed over the years is becoming an example today."

"Cyclone Biparjoy wreaked so much havoc in Kutch, but the people of Kutch faced it with full courage and preparedness" he added.

He said, "Be it the biggest goal, be it the toughest challenge, the collective force of the people of India, the collective power, solves every challenge."

He also spoke of water conservation efforts across the country and underlined that in the Hapur district in UP, “people collectively revived an extinct river.”

"These rivers, canals, lakes are not only water sources... life's myriad hues & emotions are also associated with them" he added.

Prime Minister Modi also touched upon the issues of natural calamities and said "There is a significant way to combat natural calamities through conservation of nature.

"These days during monsoon, our responsibility in this direction increases manifold. That is why today the country is making collective efforts through campaigns like 'Catch the Rain'.

In a bid to mark the 350th coronation anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, he said, “When it comes to management, I will also remember Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj today. Along with the bravery of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, there is a lot to learn from his governance and management skills.”

Touching upon the issue of tuberculosis, TB, he said, "India has set a target of eradicating TB by 2025. Ni-kshay Mitra has taken charge of this movement against TB.

"Thousands of people are adopting TB patients in rural areas. This is the true strength of India. The youth is also contributing to achieving the target of eradicating TB by 2025" he said.

The Prime Minister said the public participation is the biggest strength of this campaign. It is due to this participation, that today, more than 10 lakh TB patients in the country have been adopted... and this is a noble deed on the part of close to 85 thousand Ni-kshay Mitras".

On International Yoga Day, Prime Minister said, "This time too, people in every nook and corner of the world are eagerly waiting for the International Day of Yoga. This year the theme of Yoga Day is – ‘Yoga For Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ i.e. Yoga for the welfare of all in the form of 'One World-One Family'.

"It expresses the spirit of Yoga, which unites and takes everyone along. Like every time, this time too programmes related to yoga will be organized in every corner of the country" he said.

He said, "This time I will get the opportunity to participate in the Yoga Day programme to be held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. I see that even on social media, there is tremendous enthusiasm about Yoga Day".

He also spoke about Japan's technique Miyawaki and said if the soil in some place has not been fertile, then the Miyawaki technique is a very good way to make that area green again.

"Miyawaki forests spread rapidly and become biodiversity spots in two to three decades. This is now spreading very fast in different parts of India too", he said. (UNI)