Article 352

June 25^th!

The very mention of this date sends adrenaline pumping for a majority of Indians. People for whom cricket is another fine art like classical music and dance and for whom patriotism is defined by their support to the National Cricket Team, this date is very special. It was on this day exactly 35 years ago, the Indian Team-nicknamed as Kapil’s Devils- lifted the World Cup in a beautiful afternoon in London even as  the bleary eyed fans watched it live on DD or ‘visualised’ the scene with their ears glued to the radio sets. It was for the first time that Cricket World Cup final was being telecast and not many households in the country could afford a TV. In any case, it was a moment to cherish not only for people who watched/listened to it but also for the generation which was born after 1983.

On the same date exactly 8 years before this historic moment, something else happened in our country. If what happened in 1983 did the Nation proud, what happened in 1975 will make any right thinking individual squirm and leave them with red faces. Yes, it was around the midnight of 25^th June 1975 that Emergency was declared in our country!

What was the ‘Emergency’ and why is it still spoken about by the intelligentsia even now after 43 years? Why was it declared? Was the Nation is such a bad shape? Was the country under threat from external forces?

It would surprise (and even hurt) many but the fact is one individual’s adamancy to stay in power brought ‘emergency’ to the country. The MP election held in Rae Bareli in 1971 was declared null and void by the Allahabad High Court and the MP happened to be the Prime Minister of the country. As per the Law, the PM automatically lost the seat. This judgment was delivered on the 12^th of June. An appeal was filed in the Supreme Court and the court gave interim relief allowing the PM to continue in office till the petition was disposed of. The matter could have rested here. But insecurity crept in. ‘What if the judgment goes ‘against’ yet again’, thought the PM who was also heavily influenced by the coterie of 4 people.

Bypassing all norms-like calling  a cabinet meeting or calling an urgent session of parliament- the Govt. declared Emergency around the midnight of 25^th June 1975, citing ‘internal disturbances’. In a midnight action, all opposition leaders (major and minor) were arrested and put behind the bars. ‘Fundamental rights’, the highlight of Indian Constitution was suspended. Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Expression became things of past. A new act, MISA (Maintenance Of Internal Security Act) was passed under which anybody could be arrested without any case and no bail could be given. All newspapers were scrutinized and examined thoroughly before going to the press and even a small word against the government was deleted. Constitution was amended to make the PM immune from prosecution in all legal cases.

In other words, Democracy was murdered.

The words of the Mahakavi ‘இம் என்றால் சிறைவாசம், ஏன் என்றால் வனவாசம்’ came true yet again (remember he wrote it against the British colonial rule).

In the name of ‘development’, colonies of one particular community was destroyed and demolished (does this remind you of something else which happened in 2002?) . A record number of 27,00,000 family planning operations(this includes small boys) was done in one year. A 20-point programme was ‘chalked out’ and all the states were asked to strictly implement it and promote it vigorously with all promotional materials carrying the name and the photograph of the PM. A rosy picture off the country was painted.

Finally, after 1 year and 7 months of dictatorship, assuming that the ‘Nation had really moved’ and that nobody remembered the Opposition parties or the leaders, Elections were announced.

It was here that we, the people proved who we really are. Despite all false propaganda by the ruling party, it lost the elections. The PM was defeated and could not even enter the parliament as an MP. India showed to the world as to why it is considered as the largest democracy.

There were many excesses during that dark period and I would refrain from writing all that here. But the point here is-which has also been the topic of discussion now- ‘will there be another emergency?’

Before answering that, let us all recall as to what happened in TN between 1992 and 1996. Same kind of one-upmanship, self-aggrandizement, disrespect though the ways and means were different. But here too, people showed their might in the elections that followed.

Cut now to the present situation. Do we see that one-upmanship, chest thumping(56’’), attempts to silence dissent, showing undue favours to some, attempts to attack the fabric of federalism, disrespect to institutions, targeting a particular community, lynching  and most importantly pomp and show?

Will this lead to somewhere?

Only Time will tell us.

But let all those in Power remember that the Power of The People can never be underestimated.

The song of the day talks about this power.

The greatness of ‘Manidha Manidha’ from ‘KaN Sivanthaal MaN Sivakkum’(1982) is that it can make even a coward, brave(at least for 4 minutes). The tune which is powerful -and at the same time melodious- is complemented by the meaningful words of Vairamuththu. We see yet another dimension of Yesudass in this song.

The solo Violin in the minor scale in the beginning, depicts the suffering, mental trauma and the helplessness of the oppressed. After a while, realising that nothing in this world is achieved by crying, it starts thinking. Slowly, it starts addressing its fellow members (group of strings) and make them join the Revolution. The leader charts out a plan. The followers listen. Strategy is drawn. The group swells in numbers with people from all walks of life (the band with trumpets and drums) joining it.

They plunge into action.

Words are spoken (Pallavi in the voice of Yesudass) and echoed (Bass voice of the chorus).

Actions get implemented (first interlude).

 Sub- groups and Leaders  are formed across the country and they organise and delegate(beginning of the first interlude). Volunteers work like bees (strings). It grows (brass section).

Speeches and action all around (First CharaNam with swaras going in groups of 3).

The Leader makes a very emotional and touching speech (Pallavi repeated with passion by Yesudass after the first CharaNam).

Fiery speeches (violins) and finally the climax (horns- scale change).

It is Victory at last!

Positivity all around ( Second CharaNam).

‘Be ware’ -it finally warns us (slowing down of the chorus voices in the end).

No more Hero-Worship!

 We, the people, rule the country..

Let our eyes turn red. That will make the Nation green!!

PS: I am not a member of any political party nor do I have affinity towards any party. The views have been expressed here in my capacity as a citizen of India. Let no political colour be given to this post. Thanks!


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