Democracy not static, it’s a living system, says Chandigarh Administrator

Democracy is not a static but a living system, which must be nurtured every day with vigilance, awareness and collective responsibility, Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria has said.

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Presiding over a state-level function to mark the 50th anniversary of Emergency declared on June 25, 1975, Kataria said, “Protecting democracy is not only the duty of governments, it is the shared responsibility of every citizen.”

The event, organised by the UT Cultural Affairs Department to observe “Samvidhan Hatya Diwas”, was a call to action as well as to honour those who stood firm in protecting the fundamental values of the Indian Constitution and during the 21-month Emergency period (1975-1977) when democratic freedoms were severely curtailed.

Kataria said the struggle played a vital role in saving Indian democracy. He paid tributes to the countless brave citizens – journalists, students, social activists and political leaders – who kept the spirit of democracy alive despite repression.

Reflecting on the leadership of Jayaprakash Narayan, the Governor said: “He made the youth the foundation of the movement. His call awakened a generation, turning the fight for democracy into a mass movement.”

He urged the youth to introspect and dream of the kind of India they want to build, adding, “We must think about the future of India and work to make our country Vishwaguru.”

Kataria reiterated the timeless relevance of the Constitution and quoted Dr BR Ambedkar, saying, “A good Constitution may become bad if the people implementing it are not good. But even a bad Constitution can become good if it is implemented by honest people.”

He further urged all citizens to uphold the sanctity of the Constitution in thought, word and deed and ensure that the foundation of Indian democracy grows stronger with each generation.

Satya Pal Jain, Additional Solicitor General of India and Desraj Raj Tandon also spoke on the occasion, both sharing their personal experiences and their active roles in Chandigarh during the Emergency. Their views stood as a powerful testimony to the resistance, courage and constitutional commitment.

Surinder Mahajan, Om Prakash Ahuja and Jatinder Chopra were felicitated by the Governor as a mark of recognition and gratitude for their contribution in protecting democracy at that time.

The event also featured a cultural programme comprising patriotic songs performed by local artistes and youth volunteers.

It was attended by public representatives, members of civil society, school and college students and youth volunteers. Launched a year-long national campaign (25 June, 2025 – 25 June, 2026), the campaign aims to rekindle democratic values and further strengthen constitutional consciousness among citizens through exhibitions, dialogues, competitions and awareness programmes across the country.