The Editor50 Years Later, Emergency Still Echoes Through Stories of Courage in Kaithal
Guhla-Cheeka, June 24 –
Even after 50 years, the dark memories of the Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977, continue to haunt the people who lived through it. Among them were many teacher leaders and opposition figures from Kaithal district, who suffered imprisonment, hardship, and humiliation during those 21 months.
In Kaithal district alone, 35 individuals were jailed during the Emergency. Of these, teacher leader Ramdutt Sharma endured the longest imprisonment — 19 months behind bars. Sharma had become a thorn in the eye of then Haryana Chief Minister Bansi Lal due to his active involvement in the teacher movements from 1971 to 1977.
Despite the pain, Sharma and his family bore the struggle with dignity. In recognition of their sacrifice, the BJP-led government in 2016 honored Emergency detainees under the Subh Jyotsna Scheme, granting them commemorative copper plates and a monthly pension of ₹10,000 from November 2017.
A Family’s Silent Strength
Ramdutt Sharma’s wife, Munni Devi, now 90, lives with her son Vijay Sharma, giving blessings to her grandchildren. She still remembers the hardship, saying her husband dedicated his life to the betterment of teachers and never backed away from long, demanding movements. Vijay added that despite the hardships, their family remained proud of his legacy.
A Life of Service and Leadership
Born on July 15, 1931, in Fatehpur village (Pundri block), Ramdutt Sharma came from a family of educators. He served three consecutive terms as State General Secretary of the Haryana Rajkiya Adhyapak Sangh from 1971 to 1977. During this period, he played a crucial role in the historic 1973 teachers’ protest.
In recognition of his efforts, he was gifted an Ambassador car in 1974 by fellow teachers. In 1993, he was again honored when he launched a new movement under the Haryana Teacher Welfare Council.
His contribution during the 32-day hunger strike of then State President Master Sohanlal in front of the Chief Minister’s residence was particularly notable. Sharma’s dedication helped bring national attention to teachers’ issues during the Bansi Lal administration.
A Political Twist and Later Years
In 1977, after his release from jail, Sharma was offered an assembly ticket by the Janata Party. However, at the last moment, Swami Agnivesh replaced him as the candidate from Pundri. This unexpected turn left him out of the electoral race, despite his sacrifices.
Ramdutt Sharma passed away on September 23, 1996, due to a heart attack. Yet, his contribution to the teacher movement continues to inspire many.
His son, Vijay, shared that Sharma had three daughters — Kanta Rani, Usha Rani, and Asha Rani — who are well-settled. Asha Rani is married to Suresh Sharma, a retired Hindi professor from Govt. Girls Senior Secondary School, Kyoďak.
A Legacy Remembered
Former State President of the Teacher Union, Kulbhushan Sharma, said no leader has ever matched Ramdutt Sharma’s level of dedication and leadership. “Such General Secretaries are rare. The teacher community still reveres his name with great respect,” he remarked.
The 50th anniversary of the Emergency is not just a political memory—it is a reminder of personal sacrifices made by unsung heroes like Ramdutt Sharma and others who fought for dignity, rights, and justice during one of India’s darkest periods.
