New Delhi, June 19 -- The central government is planning a mega commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, including public marches with pre-approved slogans, six nationwide torch processions, events prominently featuring the Sengol, a short film by the ministry of information and broadcasting, and exhibitions at railway stations, malls and schools, a letter sent by the government said on Wednesday. In a letter dated June 14, Union culture secretary Vivek Aggarwal said the commemoration will begin on June 25, 2025 and continue until June 25, 2026. As announced in 2024, the date when Emergency was imposed -- June 25 -- is observed annually as 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas'. "Emergency witnessed a sweeping suspension of civil liberties, erosion of constitutional safeguards and unprecedented centralisation of executive power... This year, on June 25, 2025, the nation observes the 50th anniversary of the imposition of the Emergency. The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is undertaking a yearlong commemoration starting June 25, 2025, till June 25, 2026," the letter said The government framed it as a moment not only of remembrance but of "deep reflection and renewed commitment to democratic values and constitutional morality." Imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the Emergency remains one of the darkest chapters in India's democratic history. According to the letter's annexure, activities have been planned for different states and Union Territories to partake in. As per the letter, general public from various districts may march towards the venue in cars, bikes and buses carrying the national flag and placards bearing pre-approved slogans such as "More Power to Democracy," "India: Mother of Democracy," "Long Live Democracy," and "Salute to Sengol - in the Spirit of Democracy." The Sengol, a sceptre rooted in Tamil tradition, gained renewed prominence after being installed in the new Parliament building. A controversy erupted over its installation, with the Opposition describing it as a "king's stick" and that it be replaced with the Constitution. The letter said speeches by people connected to the Emergency will be delivered following a standard operating procedure laid out by the central government. In addition, all states and UTs were instructed to host dedicated exhibitions at 50 high-footfall locations. Educational institutions were directed to participate in the campaign through essay competitions on the MyGov platform and the screening of relevant films and exhibitions. The government will also launch a short film on Samvidhan Hatya Diwas, to be released on the official portal, amritkaal.nic.in, after June 22, it said. Further, a special torch relay titled "Spirit of Democracy" will be carried out by MyBharat volunteers. Six e-torches will be flagged off from Delhi and traverse various regions across the country. "The torch procession will make a return journey and culminate at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, for a grand programme on March 21, 2026, expected to be graced by the Prime Minister," the letter said....