Manipur Observes Samvidhan Hatya Diwas as a Solemn State Function
ART & CULTURE
Imphal: In a solemn and dignified ceremony befitting its historical significance, the Government of Manipur observed Samvidhan Hatya Diwas as a State-level programme at the Palace Auditorium of the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), Imphal on 25th June 2025. The event commemorated the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of the Emergency on 25th June 1975 by the then Indira Gandhi-led government—a period widely remembered as a dark chapter in India’s democratic journey.
Addl Chief Secretary VK Dewangan addressing gathering as the Chief Guest at the Samvidhan Hatya Diwas 2025
Dance performance on the theme of “Democracy and Patriotism” by the students of Government Dance College
Organised by the Department of Art & Culture, the programme paid tribute to those who endured the excesses of the Emergency and stood firm in defence of constitutional values. The venue was thematically adorned in the colours of the national flag, symbolising a renewed commitment to democratic ideals and the spirit of the Indian Constitution.
Official of Art & Culture Department welcome guest of the Programme
The Chief Guest, Shri Vivek Kumar Dewangan, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur, led the observances. More than 1,500 citizens including government officials, civil society members, students, and survivors of the Emergency participated in the programme, which was designed to educate and inspire collective memory and resolve.
Addl Chief Secretary VK Dewangan and Commisioner (Home) N Ashok Kumar witnessing the Exhibition of Samvidhan Diwas
A special exhibition was mounted, tracing the roots of democratic practice in India—from the Vedic period and traditional community-based governance systems to post-Independence developments. It vividly chronicled the events leading to the Emergency, including the 1975 Allahabad High Court verdict that invalidated Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s election from Rae Bareli. The exhibition also highlighted constitutional amendments made post-Emergency to safeguard against future misuse of power.
Dignitaries at the Samvidhan Hatya Diwas
A seven-minute short film was screened as part of the programme. The film centred around a school teacher narrating the historical backdrop of Samvidhan Hatya Diwas to his students, stressing the need for collective memory, civic vigilance, and the sacred duty to uphold constitutional values. The narrative format of the film made it accessible and engaging for viewers of all ages.
Opening stirring patriotic song presented by students of Shree Shree Bal Mukunda Dev Music College
Adding symbolic gravitas to the event, a replica of the Sengol—representing dharma and just rule—stood beside the stage, flanked by twin e-flames that burned throughout the programme.
The event began with a stirring patriotic song presented by students of Shree Shree Bal Mukunda Dev Music College, followed by a dance performance on the theme of “Democracy and Patriotism” by the students of Government Dance College, both institutions under the Department of Art & Culture.
Signature Board during Samvidhan Hatya Diwas
Individuals who personally suffered during the Emergency shared their testimonies, infusing the event with heartfelt poignancy. The presence of local bodies, district administrators, and wide public participation lent the event a deeply inclusive spirit, underscoring Manipur’s collective reverence for democratic freedoms.
The observance of Samvidhan Hatya Diwas served as a timely reminder of the need for eternal vigilance to protect the Constitution and its ideals from any future subversion.