The Odisha government has mandated that all public universities and colleges in the state observe June 25 as “Samvidhan Hatya Diwas,” coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Emergency declaration. The Higher Education Department has issued instructions to organize awareness marches, engaging students and faculty, utilizing placards and slogans to champion constitutional values. Political Science departments are specifically tasked with holding seminars centered on the significance of the Preamble. Institutions are also directed to host interactive events such as debates, lectures, and workshops, featuring legal experts, academics, and students, with a focus on democracy, civic duties, and the suppression of rights during the Emergency. A range of activities, including essay writing, poster-making, slogan contests, quizzes, and street plays themed ‘Save the Constitution,’ alongside screenings of relevant documentaries and short films, are encouraged to enhance participation. Detailed documentation of all activities, including photographs, attendance records, and comprehensive reports, is required from all participating institutions, with a submission deadline of June 28. The directive labels the Emergency as a critical period in India’s democratic history, highlighting the suspension of civil liberties, press censorship, and mass arrests, aiming to foster reflection and strengthen democratic principles and constitutional morality among students.
