PM Narendra Modi’s The Emergency Diaries: A Personal Account of India’s Darkest Democratic Crisis
- MGMMTeam
- Jun 27
- 3 min read
A Personal Chronicle of National Trauma
On the solemn 50th anniversary of the 1975 Emergency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has released a deeply personal and politically resonant book titled The Emergency Diaries. More than just a memoir, this book revisits one of the most turbulent periods in India’s post-independence history through the eyes of a young RSS pracharak—Narendra Modi himself.
In doing so, Modiji not only narrates his lived experience under authoritarian rule but also invites the nation to remember, reflect, and remain vigilant against any future threats to democracy.
The Launch of a Timely Testament
The book was launched on June 25, 2025, during a high-profile event attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Edited by Saikat Kumar Bose and published by BlueKraft Digital Foundation, the book features a foreword written by former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. The Emergency Diaries stands out as both a historical account and a warning, capturing how Modiji and others resisted during those 21 months of suspended democracy.
Speaking about the release on social media platform X, Modiji said the book “brought back many memories from that time” and urged citizens—especially those who experienced the Emergency firsthand—to share their own stories and reflections. He emphasized that the Emergency must not be forgotten or sanitized, and that democratic values must be continually safeguarded.
Revisiting the Emergency Through Modiji’s Lens
The Emergency (1975–1977), imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, suspended fundamental rights, curtailed the freedom of the press, and saw over 110,000 people imprisoned without trial. Modiji’s book does not just offer a political commentary—it paints a vivid picture of the atmosphere of fear, the courage of the underground resistance, and the emotional impact the crackdown had on ordinary citizens.
In his narrative, Modiji describes his early days of political activism, the constant threat of arrest, and the resilience of grassroots movements across India. He also touches upon the subversive tactics used by RSS workers and opposition leaders to keep the spirit of democracy alive while living in hiding.
National Response and Political Implications
The release of The Emergency Diaries has amplified national attention around the Emergency anniversary, which the Modi government officially observes as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas (Constitution Assassination Day). BJP leaders across the country echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiment, emphasizing that the period remains a permanent stain on India’s democratic record.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who launched the book, remarked that the Emergency was not just a political misstep but a full-blown constitutional assault. He hailed the book as an important contribution to India’s historical consciousness and a guide for future generations.
A Narrative for the Present and the Future
Modiji’s book is as much about 1975 as it is about 2025. Through The Emergency Diaries, he draws a direct line from past to present, warning that complacency in democracy is dangerous. The work urges young Indians to learn from history, protect democratic institutions, and resist any signs of authoritarian drift—regardless of which party is in power.
While critics argue that the book is politically timed ahead of upcoming elections, supporters praise it for offering an inside view of a defining historical moment that shaped Modiji’s ideology and leadership.
Conclusion: Memory as a Weapon Against Tyranny
With The Emergency Diaries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi transforms his personal reflections into a national call to remember. The book serves both as a tribute to those who resisted dictatorship and as a reminder of how fragile democratic freedoms can be. As India reflects on half a century since the Emergency, Modiji’s message is clear: the battle for democracy is never over—and the cost of silence can be steep.
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