Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government directed all State Public Universities and Colleges under the Higher Education Department to observe June 25, 2025, as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ by organising a series of awareness activities.

In a letter issued to educational institutions, the Higher Education Department emphasised the importance of marking the day as part of the nationwide observance. It may be noted on July 11, 2024, the Ministry of Home Affairs officially declared June 25 as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the imposition of Emergency in India on June 25, 1975.

Activities to Be Conducted on June 25, 2025:

  • Mass awareness march involving students and faculty, carrying placards and slogans promoting constitutional values.
  • Debates, workshops, and lectures on constitutional rights and duties, and the historical significance of the Emergency.
  • Inaugural seminar on the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, to be organized by the Political Science departments.
  • Academic panel discussions featuring legal experts, educators, and students on the themes of democracy and civic responsibility.
  • Competitions such as essay writing, poster making, slogan writing, and quizzes based on constitutional themes.
  • Screening of documentaries or short films on the Constitution or historical events related to it.
  • Street plays (Nukkad Natak) themed on “Save the Constitution”.
  • Exhibitions and seminars within university campuses.
  • Documentation and reporting: Institutions must submit photographs, attendance records, and event reports by June 28, 2025.

The initiative aims to raise awareness among students and faculty about constitutional values and the historical context of the Emergency, which was declared on June 25, 1975, and widely criticised for undermining democratic principles.