Democracy Enchained Nation Disgraced: Dark Days of India’s Emergency

By P. S. Sreedharan Pillai

The Emergency (1975-77) clamped by Indira Gandhi when she was the Prime Minister was one of the darkest periods in independent India.

It was an era when decades of democracy of which Indians were very proud was dumped in favour of a brazen dictatorship.

This book is an account of that agonizing time when thousands were jailed, rulers turned into autocrats, and countless Indians fought the shackles of the Emergency at great risk to themselves and their families.

Reviving the dark days in the hope that an Emergency is never imposed in India again, the book sheds light on its inception, repercussions and eventual collapse.

It draws from historical accounts, official reports and personal experiences.

At that time, the author was a student leader in Kerala and actively participated in Jayaprakash Narayan’s Total Revolution movement.

The book introduces the Emergency to the millions in the country who were fortunate not to have lived through that period. But they need to know the truth — and it is this chilling truth that this book conveys.

P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, the Governor of Goa, embodies versatility and vision. A man of many hats—an accomplished lawyer, seasoned politician, organiser par excellence, captivating orator, prolific writer, and philanthropist—his career spans multiple fields with equal grace and impact.

Over the years, he has held several prominent positions, including Managing Editor of Janmabhumi Malayalam newspaper, CBI’s Standing Counsel in the Kerala High Court, president of the Kerala state BJP, and the 21st Governor of Mizoram.

Pillai’s literary journey began in 1973, and he hasn’t looked back since. A bilingual author, he has written around 260 books in English and Malayalam. Eleven more titles are scheduled for publication this year. His works cover an astonishing range of subjects – history, politics, law and economy. He is among the few in Indian politics with such an extensive literary portfolio.

In recognition of his contributions to literature, law and public service, he was conferred honorary doctorate degrees by JJT University, Rajasthan in 2020, ASBM University, Bhubaneswar in 2023, and Alliance University, Bengaluru in 2024.

Binding: Paperback

Publication Date: June 2025