‘The Emergency Diaries’: BlueKraft’s New Book Traces PM Modi’s Early Political Journey
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A powerful new book, The Emergency Diaries – Years That Forged a Leader, has been released by BlueKraft Digital Foundation. The book offers a compelling exploration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s formative political years during the Emergency period in India (1975–1977)—widely regarded as one of the most challenging chapters in the nation’s democratic history.
Inside the Resistance: Modi’s Early Role
This rare publication delves into how a young Narendra Modi, then a dedicated RSS pracharak (campaigner), became actively involved in the underground resistance against the authoritarian clampdown under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s regime. During this time, civil liberties were suspended, the press was muzzled, and thousands were jailed without trial.
Personal Accounts and Unseen Archives
What sets The Emergency Diaries apart is its use of personal anecdotes from those who worked closely with Modi during this turbulent era. Supported by archival material, these firsthand narratives bring to life the early trials that shaped a future leader.
BlueKraft notes, “The book delves into the compelling role that @narendramodi, then a young RSS Pracharak, played in the fight against Emergency.”
Described as a “first-of-its-kind” work, the book contributes fresh academic insight into the ideological foundations of one of India’s most influential political figures.
Shaping of a Leader During Crisis
The book provides more than historical documentation—it offers a lens into how the Emergency was a personal turning point for Modi. His involvement in preserving democratic values, resisting censorship, and defending constitutional rights helped shape his principles and leadership style in the years to come.
Publishers emphasise that “Emergency Diaries paints a vivid picture of Narendra Modi fighting for the ideals of democracy and how he has worked all his life to preserve and promote it."
Honouring Courage and Collective Struggle
Beyond its biographical lens, the book pays homage to the bravery of countless Indians—activists, students, politicians, and ordinary citizens—who stood up against oppression at great personal risk. It honours those who refused to be silenced when democracy was in jeopardy.
As stated by the publishers, “This book is a tribute to the grit and resolve of those who refused to be silenced, and it offers a rare glimpse into the early trials that forged one of the most transformative leaders of our time.”
Foreword by Former PM Deve Gowda
Adding further significance is the foreword written by former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, himself a prominent figure in the anti-Emergency movement. The book was formally launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who has often spoken about the Emergency’s lasting impact on India’s political framework.
Reflecting on the Emergency
The Emergency, declared on 25 June 1975 by then PM Indira Gandhi, suspended fundamental rights, curtailed political dissent, and interrupted the democratic process for 21 months. For many of today’s leaders, including PM Modi, it marked the beginning of their public and political life.
The Emergency Diaries seeks to preserve the memory of those tumultuous years and pass on its lessons to a new generation.
Inside the Resistance: Modi’s Early Role
This rare publication delves into how a young Narendra Modi, then a dedicated RSS pracharak (campaigner), became actively involved in the underground resistance against the authoritarian clampdown under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s regime. During this time, civil liberties were suspended, the press was muzzled, and thousands were jailed without trial.
Personal Accounts and Unseen Archives
What sets The Emergency Diaries apart is its use of personal anecdotes from those who worked closely with Modi during this turbulent era. Supported by archival material, these firsthand narratives bring to life the early trials that shaped a future leader.
BlueKraft notes, “The book delves into the compelling role that @narendramodi, then a young RSS Pracharak, played in the fight against Emergency.”
Described as a “first-of-its-kind” work, the book contributes fresh academic insight into the ideological foundations of one of India’s most influential political figures.
Shaping of a Leader During Crisis
The book provides more than historical documentation—it offers a lens into how the Emergency was a personal turning point for Modi. His involvement in preserving democratic values, resisting censorship, and defending constitutional rights helped shape his principles and leadership style in the years to come.
Publishers emphasise that “Emergency Diaries paints a vivid picture of Narendra Modi fighting for the ideals of democracy and how he has worked all his life to preserve and promote it."
Honouring Courage and Collective Struggle
Beyond its biographical lens, the book pays homage to the bravery of countless Indians—activists, students, politicians, and ordinary citizens—who stood up against oppression at great personal risk. It honours those who refused to be silenced when democracy was in jeopardy.
As stated by the publishers, “This book is a tribute to the grit and resolve of those who refused to be silenced, and it offers a rare glimpse into the early trials that forged one of the most transformative leaders of our time.”
Foreword by Former PM Deve Gowda
Adding further significance is the foreword written by former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, himself a prominent figure in the anti-Emergency movement. The book was formally launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who has often spoken about the Emergency’s lasting impact on India’s political framework.
Reflecting on the Emergency
The Emergency, declared on 25 June 1975 by then PM Indira Gandhi, suspended fundamental rights, curtailed political dissent, and interrupted the democratic process for 21 months. For many of today’s leaders, including PM Modi, it marked the beginning of their public and political life.
The Emergency Diaries seeks to preserve the memory of those tumultuous years and pass on its lessons to a new generation.
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