As PM Modi recounts his 1971 'satyagraha', here's a look at his book on 1975 Emergency

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi reminisced his 'satyagraha' for Banglesh's Liberation in 1970s, a book written by him in his 20s against oppressive Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi regime has come to forefront. A n youth-leer Modi h written a book titled ‘Sangharshmaan Gujarat’ which was published in 1978 about how Gujarat h opposed Emergency and his involvement in it. In book, he has urged his fellow young citizens to rebel against government's oppression, warning about a dangerous tomorrow.

PM Modi's book on Emergency

On cover of book, in an open letter to youth, Modi h highlighted how citizens h been silenced and how democracy h been destroyed, while autocracy was being promoted. Calling for youth's sacrifice to solve poverty, unemployment, lack of education, immorality and corruption, he h urged youth to become 'creators of history'. Stating that it was upto youth to 'free those imprisoned', Modi h reminded yputh of ir duty to challege widespre 'unrest and helplessness'.

Newspaper reports from August 1971, show 10,000 Janasangh workers including 1200 women and children h std a satyagraha as part of 12-day 'Recognise Banglesh' Satyagraha in Delhi. A TOI report states "120 buses were kept rey to transport to Delhi's National Stium where y were tried by nine magistrates. mammoth rally was dressed by party president Atal Bihari Vajpayee who declared that Indo-Soviet joint statement implied a conspiracy between Delhi and Moscow to deny recognition to Bangla Desh". 

(Credit: Times of India)

PM Modi recounts his 'satyagraha' for Banglesh liberation

Earlier in day, PM Modi recounted his own contribution to nation's freedom struggle, while dressing National Day program as its chief guest in National pare Ground, Dhaka. Lauding Indian Army martyrs' sacrifice, he recounted how he h been arrested in India while staging a satyagraha in solidarity with Banglesh's liberation. Today marks 50th anniversary of 1971 Banglesh Liberation War, which resulted in formation of Banglesh from Pakistan.

"One of first movements of my life to join struggle for independence of Banglesh. I and my partners h done a Satyagraha in support of freedom of Banglesh and was even sent into jail. atrocities forced by Pakistan Army disturbed all of us internally and moved us," said PM Modi.

Slamming Pakistan Army's war crimes during war, he said that 'Operation Searchlight' h stirred movement in support of Banglesh in India. Remembering late PM Indira Gandhi's leership, he said, "Indira Gandhi ji's efforts are kwn to all.  Atal ji also said that we aren't just fighting with people who're laying down ir lives in Liberation War, but we are also trying to give a new direction to history".

PM Modi's 2-day Banglesh tour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Banglesh to be a part of neighbouring country's 50th Independence Day, making it first foreign visit by PM Modi after outbreak of Coronavirus / COVID-19 pandemic. PM Modi recieved invitation to be a part of its 50th Independence Day celebrations and to commemorate birth centenary of Far of Nation of Banglesh Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from his counterpart Sheikh Hasina, where hes of state from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Maldives will also be present at celebration. Incidentally, Bengal goes to polls on Saturday, amid PM Modi's Banglesh visit.