Long live democracy: Why remembering freedom matters

Taken together, the components associated with the commemoration of Samvidhan Hatya Diwas remind us that democracy is not merely a political system; it is a living tradition. It is sustained by public participation, and protected by an informed and vigilant citizenry. Let us carry forward this spirit with renewed commitment!

Fifty years since the imposition of the Emergency, the nation continues to reflect upon this period, which is remembered as one of the darkest chapters in India’s democratic history. The objective of the observance of the closing ceremony of the national commemoration of Samvidhan Hatya Diwas - Long Live Democracy (Loktantra Amar Rahe) - is not merely to remember history, but to reflect on the enduring values that sustain our Republic.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar once remarked:

“The Constitution is not a mere lawyer’s document; it is a vehicle of life, and its spirit is always the spirit of the age.”

Few statements capture the essence of our constitutional journey more powerfully than these words. The Constitution is not simply a legal framework that governs the affairs of the State. It is a living covenant between citizens and institutions, between rights and responsibilities, between liberty and accountability.

Democracy must be preserved

India’s democratic ethos is deeply rooted in our civilisational traditions. For centuries, our society nurtured institutions of consultation, collective deliberation, and public participation. It is essential to recall that Bharat did not inherit democracy - it nurtured it. From ancient sabhas and samitis to the post-independence parliamentary system, we have always believed in the collective will of the people.

The Constitution transformed these traditions into a modern democratic framework while preserving the values that had sustained them through generations. The Preamble remains our constitutional compass. Justice. Liberty. Equality. Fraternity.

These are not merely constitutional ideals. They are national aspirations. They guide public policy, shape institutions, and define the relationship between the State and the citizen. At the same time, history reminds us that democracy can never be taken for granted.

The Emergency of 1975-77 remains one of the most significant tests faced by independent India. It demonstrated how democratic institutions can come under strain when constitutional safeguards are weakened, and public freedoms are curtailed. The impact of that period extended beyond political life. It touched the everyday experiences of citizens across the country.

It carried a profound human cost. These experiences serve as a powerful reminder that constitutional rights are not abstract legal principles; they are safeguards that directly shape the dignity, liberty, and everyday lives of citizens. When these rights are curtailed, it is not merely institutions that suffer - it is ordinary people, families, and communities whose freedoms and aspirations are most deeply affected. Yet the enduring lesson of that period is one of democratic resilience.

The people of India demonstrated extraordinary faith in constitutional methods. Democratic processes ultimately corrected democratic distortions. Through peaceful participation and the ballot box, citizens reaffirmed the principle that sovereignty resides with the people. That remains one of the greatest strengths of Indian democracy - its ability to learn, adapt, self-correct, and emerge stronger from periods of challenge.

Marking this occasion, a curated exhibition forms an important segment of the commemoration. It serves as a visual journey through one of the most challenging times in Indian democracy - presenting archival material, stories of resistance, constitutional milestones and people’s experiences during the Emergency. Another crucial element marking the occasion is a special memorial lecture by Padma Bhushan veteran journalist and author Shri Ram Bahadur Rai — one that lends contemporary relevance to the larger theme of constitutional vigilance and democratic renewal.

In contemporary times, nearly eight decades after Independence, the meaning of democracy continues to evolve. Citizens increasingly seek not only representation, but participation. Not only rights, but responsive governance. Initiatives promoting financial inclusion, grassroots participation, and citizen-centric governance have widened the reach of democratic institutions.

At the same time, the responsibility of citizenship has become even more important. A strong democracy depends upon informed citizens. Today, when the world turns to India and calls her the “Mother of Democracy”, it is a recognition of our long civilizational journey from the dharma of ancient kings to the will of modern voters.

The Living Legends of Freedom

The components comprising this closing ceremony reflect this broader understanding of democracy as a living and evolving national experience. The exhibition on Digital District Repository (DDR) — a pioneering initiative launched under the commemoration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) in the year 2021 — aims to bring to the forefront hundreds of lesser-known stories of sacrifice, courage, and public participation from every corner of the country.

The Ministry of Culture has also created 10 short films pertaining to these lesser-known narratives from our freedom struggle. Together, these initiatives remind us that democracy is strengthened when constitutional values are reinforced by cultural memory, historical awareness, and a deep sense of national belonging. So far DDR has more than 19,500 narratives on the dedicated website section.

Among the institutions and departments that have contributed to the DDR initiative, the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) - an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Culture - has played an important role in documenting and curating a substantial number of stories that illuminate lesser-known dimensions of India’s struggle for independence.

On this occasion, we are privileged to be joined by two living freedom fighters who stand before us as living embodiments of courage, sacrifice, and service - Shri Sheshrao Laxmanrao Khot of Maharashtra joined the Hyderabad Liberation Movement as a young student; and Shri Eddula Suryanarayana Reddy from Andhra Pradesh, who began supporting the freedom movement as a child and was detained by the police at the age of eleven years. Their presence reminds us that freedom is not a distant history but a living memory.

Virasat and Cultural Continuity

Complementing this is 11th edition of Virasat - that celebrates the cultural traditions, artistic expressions, and shared heritage that have fostered dialogue, diversity, and social cohesion across generations. It honours the memory of Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay - freedom fighter, cultural visionary and institution-builder.

The classical presentations draw upon musical traditions that have evolved through centuries of dialogue between generations, regions, and schools of thought. Indian classical music itself is a testament to the values of continuity, diversity, discipline, and creative freedom - values that are equally essential to a vibrant democracy.

The presentation Enajori: Loknaad - Janjatiya Samrasta ka Swar-Sangam celebrates the rich cultural traditions of Assam and the North-East. Through its music and dance traditions representing diverse communities, it beautifully demonstrates the idea of unity in diversity, one of the foundational principles of our Republic. It reminds us that India’s strength lies in its ability to accommodate multiple identities. Particularly meaningful is the special thematic presentation by the CCRT scholars, “From Silence to Voice, From Darkness to Dawn.” Through the language of Indian classical music, it traces the journey from fear and suppression to courage, renewal, and democratic resurgence.

Another milestone in connection with the commemoration relates to the laying of the foundation stone for the Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati Kala Gurukul & Kalagram, which is designed to establish centres where India’s artistic heritage can be studied and practiced. This is inspired from the age-old tradition of the Gurukul system.

Just as democratic values must be passed from one generation to the next, cultural traditions too require institutions that sustain and renew them. In line with this principle, Seva Parv shows that cultural expressions still have an impact on people’s consciousness and civic sense.

The author is Union Minister for Culture & Tourism, Government of India; Views presented are personal.