Right to life also taken away, never forget the era of emergency: PM Modi

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the countrymen on Sunday through the radio program 'Mann Ki Baat'. It was the 90th episode of the monthly radio programme. Referring to the Emergency during this time, Modi said, "Do you know that your parents when they were of your age were once taken away from them even the right to life! You must be thinking that how can this happen? It is impossible. But my young friends, this happened once in our country. This was many years ago in 1975. June was the same time when Emergency was imposed.

Modi said, "Amrit Mahotsav not only covers the victory saga of freedom from hundreds of years of slavery, but also the journey of 75 years after independence. We move forward only after learning from every important stage of history. Today when the country Celebrating 75 years of our independence, celebrating Amrit Mahotsav, then we should never forget that dreadful period of Emergency. The coming generations should not forget. To be a witness to the struggle of the countrymen during the Emergency. I also had the privilege of being a partner.

'Attempted to crush India's democracy'

The Prime Minister said, "At that time an attempt was made to crush India's democracy. The country's courts, every constitutional institution, the press, all were controlled. Censorship was such a condition that nothing could be printed without approval. I remember, then famous singer Kishore Kumar refused to applaud the government and he was banned. His entry was removed from the radio."

'India is touching the sky of success in so many fields'

PM Modi said, "My dear countrymen, there is hardly any of us who has not had fantasies related to the sky in our life. In childhood, the moon and stars of the sky attract everyone with their stories. For the youth Touching the sky is synonymous with making dreams come true. Today, when our India is touching the sky of success in so many fields, then how can the sky, or space, be untouched by it! There has been a lot of great work involved."

'Mithali not just an extraordinary player but...'

He said, "I would also like to discuss one of India's most talented cricketers today, Mithali Raj. She has announced her retirement from cricket this month, which has left many sports fans emotional. Mithali has not just been an extraordinary player. but has also been an inspiration to many sportspersons. I wish Mithali all the best for her future."