Bhubaneswar: Odisha Government observed ‘Samvidhan Martyrdom Day 2025’ at the East Coast Railways Auditorium today, marking the 50th anniversary of the declaration of Emergency in India.
Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, attending as the chief guest, condemned the Emergency period as a “dark chapter” in independent India’s history and emphasized the importance of fostering widespread awareness against authoritarian rule.
Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo, Minister Law, Prithiviraj Harichanda, Minister Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Surjyabanshi Suraj, Additional Chief Secretary Home, Satyabrata Sahu and others graced the occasion.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the Government of India has initiated a year-long program to educate the new generation about this period, which will conclude on June 25, 2026.
He recalled the severe repression and “unspeakable atrocities” faced by citizens, emphasizing that the Bharatiya Janata Party had valiantly fought across India to protect the Constitution and fundamental rights during that time. He specifically mentioned national leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and LK Advani, who were jailed, and noted that approximately 10,000 journalists were imprisoned for their opposition or refusal to close their newspapers.
In Odisha, prominent leaders such as Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab, Biju Patnaik, and Biswa Bhushan Harichandan were arrested. Chief Minister Shri Majhi acknowledged the democratic soldiers present at the event, stating they endured torture in jail and were held for months without trial under MISA.
Expressing honor, Shri Majhi recognized the 108 democratic soldiers present, affirming his government’s commitment to honoring them. He announced that these democratic soldiers are now receiving a monthly pension of Rs 20,000 and medical facilities, with 56 approvals already processed and others underway. He assured that they would receive the same respect as freedom fighters.
In his welcome address, Odia Language, Literature and Culture Minister Shri Suryabansi Suraj stressed that the younger generation must learn from the mistakes of 50 years ago. The event also saw the Chief Minister and other esteemed guests honoring the democratic soldiers of the Emergency period. A procession chariot for democratic soldiers and a Constitution Day art exhibition were also inaugurated.
Law Minister Shri Prithviraj Harichandan remarked that the governing system during the Emergency was a “dark world for everyone,” but the struggle against it has since become a crucial lesson.
Ekamra MLA Shri Babu Singh, Loktantra Senani Shri Bimbadhar Kuan, Shri Krishnachandra Jagdeb, and Shri Kahnucharan Behera were present on the main stage. Senior leader Amar Prasad Satapathy delivered the vote of thanks.