India, June 26 -- Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday said that June 25, 1975, was the 'darkest day' in the history of Indian democracy when the then Congress Government attacked the very spirit of the Constitution, democratic institutions, and civil liberties to retain power.

Pradhan was addressing a gathering at an event to mark the 51st anniversary of the Emergency.

He emphasised that India is not just a geographical entity but a civilisation with thousands of years of cultural heritage and democratic traditions. He noted that India's democratic ethos is deeply rooted in its civilisational values, which is why it is often referred to as the "Mother of Democracy."

According to Pradhan, the framers of the Constitut...