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Narendra Modi: The Underground Warrior Against the Emergency

Published By : Admin | June 25, 2024 | 14:25 IST

During the infamous Emergency period in India (1975-1977), when the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed a dictatorial regime, Shri Narendra Modi emerged as a critical figure in the resistance movement. Shri Modi's activism during this period, marked by his innovative and fearless approach, significantly contributed to the underground communications network and sustained the fight against the oppressive regime.

The Beginnings of Resistance

Shri Narendra Modi's journey into the heart of the resistance began before the official declaration of the Emergency on June 25, 1975. The student-led agitations against the corruption of the Congress Party were already sweeping the nation, and Gujarat was a significant epicentre of this movement. During the Navnirman Andolan in 1974, Shri Modi, then a Yuva Pracharak of the RSS, was deeply influenced by the power of student voices in driving change. He actively participated in these agitations, leveraging his Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad role to deliver fiery speeches that galvanized the youth.

Role in the Underground Movement

Once the Emergency was imposed, censorship and repression became the norm. Shri Modi and other volunteers organized secret meetings and took on the dangerous task of disseminating underground literature. Collaborating closely with senior RSS leaders like Nath Zagda and Vasant Gajendragadkar, he developed ingenious methods to bypass tight security measures.
One of Shri Modi's remarkable strategies involved using the railway network to spread information. He would load materials related to the Constitution, laws, and the Congress government's excesses onto trains departing from Gujarat, ensuring the messages reached remote areas with minimal risk of detection. This innovative approach was pivotal in maintaining the flow of information across the country.

Leadership and International Outreach

With the RSS forced to go underground, the Gujarat Lok Sangharsh Samiti was established, and Shri Modi, at the young age of 25, quickly rose to the position of General Secretary. His leadership was instrumental in sustaining the revolt against the Congress government, especially during the challenging periods when key movement leaders were imprisoned under the MISA Act.

Shri Narendra Modi also extended his efforts internationally, reaching out to individuals abroad and urging them to publish underground publications to amplify global resistance. He coordinated the collection of articles from the Gujarat Newsletter and Sadhana Patrika, which were then disseminated through platforms like the BBC. Shri Modi ensured that international publications critical of the Emergency, such as 'Satyavani,' were circulated back to India, including inside jails.

Covert Operations and Disguises

Shri Modi frequently adopted various disguises to evade detection. His ability to blend in was so effective that even his acquaintances often failed to recognize him. He dressed as a Swamiji in saffron attire and even as a Sikh with a turban. On one occasion, he successfully deceived jail authorities to deliver an important document, highlighting his resourcefulness and bravery.

Post-Emergency Recognition

After the Emergency was lifted in 1977, Shri Modi's activism and leadership during this tumultuous period began to gain recognition. He was invited to Mumbai to discuss the youth's resistance efforts, and his contributions were acknowledged with a modest monetary reward. His relentless efforts during the Emergency led to his appointment as the 'Sambhag Pracharak' of South and Central Gujarat, and he was tasked with preparing official RSS articles documenting the period.

Authoring 'Sangharsh Ma Gujarat'

In 1978, Shri Modi authored his first book, 'Sangharsh Ma Gujarat,' a memoir of his experiences during the Emergency. Remarkably, he completed the book in just 23 days, subsisting solely on lemon water and no solid food. The book, launched by then Chief Minister of Gujarat Babubhai Jasbhai Patel, received widespread acclaim for its objective coverage of the Emergency and was reviewed on national public radio and in prominent newspapers.

The memoir not only chronicled the events of the Emergency but also served as a testament to the collective resistance. It was praised for its wealth of information and objective approach, earning personal accolades from numerous leaders.

Legacy, Continued Vigilance and Solemn Vow

Fifty years later, as Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi continues to remind the nation of the dark days of the Emergency. He emphasizes the importance of preserving democracy and vows never to let the recurrence of such authoritarianism again. His legacy as a fearless warrior against the dictatorial regime of Indira Gandhi during the Emergency remains a significant chapter in India's history, inspiring current and future generations to uphold the values of democracy and freedom.

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In the 21st century, India has taken on a key role in shaping the new world order. With global politics now multipolar, no major international group feels complete without India's presence. From disaster relief to forging global policy consensus, the world turns to India.

The visionary behind India's rise as a global leader over the past decade is our esteemed Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.

Whether it's mediating in the Russia-Ukraine conflict or addressing crises in the West Asia, India, under PM Modi, is central to resolving international matters.

Today, both Indians and world powers alike place their trust in the belief that "If PM Modi is at helm, anything is possible", seeing his leadership as the ‘guarantee' of solutions.

In the context of India, PM Modi is seen as a modern-day ‘Bhageerath', guiding the nation toward achieving goals, solving challenges, and fulfilling aspirations.

Whether it's a woman farmer working in a remote field, a young entrepreneur in a tech company, a soldier guarding the nation's borders, or an Indian living abroad, all share unwavering trust in the PM's policies, vision, and decisions. This trust empowers the PM to make bold and decisive moves.

A prime example is the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, once considered impossible. Initially, there was resistance, but today Article 370 and 35A are history. Modi's determination has ended the era of "two flags, two constitutions" in Kashmir.


Now, instead of unrest, we see progress — new industries are springing up, and feats of engineering like the Chenab railway bridge, taller than the Eiffel Tower, are being realized. J&K is now on the path of development, and the world is watching. The people of this new Kashmir are prepared for upcoming assembly elections, where the PM's vision of nationalism, good governance, and development is set to triumph.

The PM has ignited a cultural renaissance in India. After a 500-year wait, India's spiritual and cultural aspirations have been realized with the consecration of Shri Ram Lalla at the grand new temple in Ayodhya and the renovation of Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple.

Since 2014, India has freed itself from the grip of political parties that thrived on casteism, corruption, and appeasement. Transparent and corruption-free execution of govt schemes has significantly improved the daily lives of common people.

Behind this transformation is a new work culture driven by the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas'. At the core of this philosophy, which aims for ‘Antyodaya se Sarvodaya' (uplift of the last person leading to the uplift of all), is the priority given to the marginalised. For the first time, agriculture and farmers have become central to political discussions, with benefits from schemes like crop insurance, MSP, subsidies, and mechanized farming reaching farmers without discrimination.

The PM has inspired people to aspire for more, allowing every Indian to actively participate in the nation's development during this ‘Amrit Kaal'. The PM made two significant decisions within the first three months of his third term – extending Ayushman health coverage to all senior citizens over 70 and introducing the ‘Unified Pension Scheme' to safeguard public interests. The decisions have ushered in a new era of economic security and hope.

Over the past decade, the implementation of JAM — Jan Dhan, Aadhar, and Mobile — has eradicated systemic corruption, ensuring that the common man receives the full benefits of govt schemes. PM Modi described JAM as delivering "maximum return on every rupee spent", with focus on empowering the poor and spreading technology widely across the population.

In UP alone, over Rs 10,000 crore has been saved across just 11 departments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The use of technology has not only improved ease of living but also enabled the govt to achieve maximum results in minimal time. Platforms like UPI, DigiLocker, and DigiYatra have become integral to the lives of ordinary citizens.

Amid growing environmental challenges, the global community is increasingly recognizing that unsustainable development is not true progress and can have lasting consequences for humanity. This understanding aligns with the ancient Indian philosophy, which has always placed a high value on nature and environment. Under the PM, India has become a global advocate for environmental protection.

The PM's ‘Panchamrit' and ‘Lifestyle for Environment' (LiFE) campaigns have positioned India as a role model in fight against climate change. Over the past decade, India's installed solar energy capacity has surged by 2300%, with solar energy costs dropping by 70-80% since 2014. Through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, the nation is now benefiting from renewable energy sources, marking a significant step toward a sustainable future.

Many major nations, still recovering from events like COVID-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war, are grappling with economic difficulties. However, thanks to the PM's diplomatic prowess and financial expertise, India has not only navigated these tough times but has emerged as the world's fifth-largest economy. The moment is fast approaching when India will rise to become the third-largest economic superpower.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recognized India as the fastest-growing economy in its latest global growth projections. Today, the world views India as an attractive investment destination. UP has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of this surge in economic interest.

‘Semicon India' conference held in UP last week marked the formal launch of India's journey to becoming a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing. From the Red Fort, the PM had declared, "My dream is for every device in the world to have a chip made in India". The country is committed to establishing itself as a semiconductor powerhouse.

With the PM "silicon diplomacy", India is poised to become a global leader in semiconductor production.

It is a divine coincidence that the birth anniversary of Devshilpi Bhagwan Vishwakarma coincides with the birthday of our PM. Today, India is crafting a glorious present on the foundation of future aspirations, taking on the role of a global leader, with PM Modi as the visionary architect of this ‘Amrit Nav Nirman'. We are confident that his resolve to build a ‘developed and self-reliant new India' will be realized through people's participation.

(The writer is Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. Views expressed are personal)