Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation in the 123rd episode of his monthly radio program Mann Ki Baat, hailed a landmark achievement in public health: the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared India “Trachoma-free.”
Trachoma, a bacterial eye infection that can cause blindness if left untreated, was once widespread across many parts of India. The Prime Minister praised the dedication of health workers and government initiatives that contributed to the country’s victory over the disease.
“We resolved to eliminate trachoma, and I am delighted to share with you that WHO has declared India as Trachoma-free. This is the result of the efforts of millions of people who tirelessly fought this disease without stopping. This success belongs to our health workers,” Modi said.
He credited flagship schemes like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and the Jal Jeevan Mission for playing a decisive role in addressing the root causes of the disease.
“The ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ also played a major role in its elimination. ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ also contributed significantly to this success. Now that clean water is reaching every household through taps, the risk of such diseases has reduced significantly. WHO has also appreciated that India not only dealt with the disease but also addressed its root causes,” he added.
On October 8, 2024, the WHO had officially recognized India’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem.
Remembering the Emergency: “A Dark Chapter”
In the same address, the Prime Minister turned to history, marking the 50th anniversary of the Emergency by designating it as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas (Constitution Murder Day). He condemned the 21-month period of Emergency, imposed between 1975–1977, as one of the darkest chapters in India’s democracy.
“Morarji Desai describes the Emergency in brief... Not only did those who imposed the Emergency murder democracy, but their intention was to keep the judiciary as their puppet... Under ‘MISA’, anyone was arrested arbitrarily, people were tortured... Indians refused to compromise on democracy. Finally, people won and the Emergency was lifted. Babu Jagjivan Ram powerfully about this,” he said.
During the address, Modi also played archival recordings of former Prime Ministers Morarji Desai, Babu Jagjivan Ram, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who described the Emergency as a period of mass arrests, severe press censorship, and a ruthless crackdown on civil liberties.
“Every citizen should remember the ones who fought bravely against the Emergency, and it also inspires us to stay vigilant to safeguard the Constitution,” the Prime Minister urged.
