Narendra Modi’s Role as an RSS ‘Yuva Pracharak’ During the Emergency

Harshita Rai
GG News Bureau
New Delhi. June 25, 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, a pivotal period in India’s history that tested its democratic fabric. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s journey during this dark chapter serves as a testament to his early activism and resilience against authoritarianism, shaped by his role as an RSS ‘Yuva Pracharak’ and subsequent leadership in Gujarat.

Early Activism and Resistance
Before the Emergency was imposed on June 25, 1975, Narendra Modi was already deeply involved in grassroots movements against corruption and authoritarianism. His experience during the 1974 Navnirman Andolan in Gujarat, where student protests catalyzed widespread anti-establishment sentiments, laid the groundwork for his later activism. As a Yuva Pracharak of the RSS, he transitioned to the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), channeling youthful energy into the resistance movement against Congress.

Role During the Emergency
When the Emergency was declared, Modi’s activism intensified. Despite stringent censorship, he played a pivotal role in organizing underground meetings and distributing literature critical of the Congress government’s excesses. Collaborating with senior RSS leaders, Modi innovatively used railway networks to disseminate information to remote areas, ensuring that resistance against authoritarian rule spread across the country.

Leadership and International Outreach
As the RSS went underground, Modi’s leadership abilities shone through. At just 25, he became the General Secretary of the Gujarat Lok Sangharsh Samiti, coordinating protests and sustaining momentum despite widespread arrests of movement leaders under draconian laws like MISA. Modi’s proactive approach extended internationally, leveraging global networks to amplify anti-Emergency voices and provide critical support to dissenters incarcerated during the period.

Post-Emergency Impact and Legacy
Following the lifting of the Emergency in 1977, Narendra Modi’s activism gained national recognition. His appointment as ‘Sambhag Pracharak’ of South and Central Gujarat marked his continued leadership within the RSS, preparing ground for his later political career. Modi’s seminal work, ‘Sangharsh Ma Gujarat’, documented his experiences during the Emergency and received acclaim for its comprehensive portrayal of the resistance movement.

Lessons Learned and Governance Philosophy
Reflecting on his experiences, Narendra Modi characterized the Emergency as a transformative period that underscored the importance of consensus in governance. He emphasized the distinction between securing a majority to run the government and fostering consensus to govern the nation effectively. Modi’s resilience and strategic acumen during the Emergency shaped his governance philosophy, emphasizing transparency, inclusivity, and the preservation of democratic values.

Conclusion
Narendra Modi’s journey during the Emergency exemplifies his early leadership and commitment to democratic ideals. His role as an RSS ‘Yuva Pracharak’ and subsequent activism laid the foundation for his political career, marked by a steadfast commitment to India’s democratic principles and inclusive governance. As India commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, Modi’s legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of safeguarding democratic institutions and upholding fundamental rights in the face of adversity.