Several people gathered at the Gandhi Peace Foundation on Tuesday to commemorate the struggle for civil liberties during the 1975-77 Emergency and its repercussions.
The 42nd commemoration of the Emergency began with a condolence for slain journalist Shujaat Bukhari. It was followed by the launch of human rights lawyer Nandita Haksar’s book The Flavours of Nationalism . Ms. Haskar, however, could not attend the event as she was unwell.
The event was hosted by three non-governmental organisations: Janhastakshep, People’s Union for Civil Liberties and Centre for Development (CFD) at the flagship building on Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg.
The opening speech was delivered by Shamsul Islam, a cultural activist, who elaborated on the agenda of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
Democratic rights
Veteran human rights activist Gautam Navalakha stressed on civil liberties and told the gathered audience that it needs to be a front-row issue in the next year’s election. “When our democratic rights are strong, that is when our voices will be heard,” Mr. Navalakha said.
Noted journalist Kuldip Nayar, a frequenter at the panel, delivered the closing speech. Mr. Nayar elucidated his days at The Indian Express during the Emergency and the struggle for press freedom.
N.D. Pancholi, vice-president of People’s Union for Civil Liberties, said the reality today is not very different from the days of the Emergency, adding that it is, in fact, “worsening”.
Youth participation
Javed Ahmed Khan, a visitor at the event, said the Foundation should do a better job of promoting the event over social media to amass a younger crowd, which he said is required to thrust the organisation’s agenda. “Today’s youth need to know about these issues because they are the ones who can bring about the change,” Javed, a PhD. student at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, said.”
