Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat participated in the closing ceremony of the year-long programmes commemorating 50 years of the Emergency in New Delhi yesterday. The event marked the culmination of a series of activities organised to remember the period and reaffirm democratic values.

On the occasion, the Union Minister visited the ‘Long Live Democracy’ and ‘Digital District Repository’ exhibitions. Addressing the gathering, Mr Shekhawat said the programme was dedicated to honouring the unsung heroes of the freedom struggle, strengthening constitutional democracy, and celebrating India’s cultural legacy. He added that the observance serves as a reminder that arrogance and tyranny are short-lived and ultimately come to an end.

The Minister emphasised that democracy is not merely about electoral politics; it is also about freedom of expression and dissent, a free media, the dignity of citizens, and the supremacy of the Constitution. He further said that the Emergency, in hindsight, provided an opportunity to reflect upon and truly appreciate the strength and the value of democracy, freedom, and the Constitution.

The event marked 50 years since the Emergency of 1975 and sought to reinforce public awareness about the importance of democracy, constitutional values, and citizens’ rights.