The Women’s Department of Jamaat e Islami Hind (JIH), Goa, launched a month-long campaign titled ‘Morality is Freedom,’ featuring a diverse range of activities across the state. The campaign included press conferences, TV programs, visits to dignitaries, interviews with prominent figures, home visits, public programs, interfaith dialogues, newspaper articles, campus lectures in schools and colleges, exhibitions, and competitions for children, such as poster, painting, and model-making contests.
As part of the campaign, a delegation of women met with South Goa MP, Captain Viriato Fernandes, to address pressing concerns about the rising immorality in the Goan society. They discussed issues such as alcohol abuse, drug trafficking, casinos, pornographic websites, corruption, and festivals that promote vulgarity, urging the MP to take action against criminals and expedite the trials of relevant cases.
During campus lectures, students were educated on the importance of distinguishing between right and wrong. The true meaning of freedom was conveyed as the ability to make responsible choices that benefit both the individual and society, emphasizing the need for responsible actions. The discussions highlighted how media, materialism, individualism, and cultural influences can lead youth to make poor choices and engage in immoral behavior.
The lectures focused on uplifting moral values such as honesty, respect, and compassion, which contribute to reduced stress, stronger relationships, and inner peace – ultimately fostering peace and harmony in society. Students were encouraged to serve as role models by making responsible decisions rather than pursuing a notion of absolute freedom.
During an interfaith dialogue in Margao, Sister Godwina Orina Pereira highlighted the role of moral values in Christianity, particularly the Ten Commandments. Ms. Haneen Khan addressed morality in Islam, emphasizing core values and the need for early moral education, especially as children face exposure to immoral activities.
Swamini Gopikananda Saraswati presented her views on moral values in Hinduism and discussed the importance of instilling moral values in children and highlighted how a lack of patience in marriages has contributed to rising divorce rates. She urged individuals to cultivate commitment and understanding in relationships for family harmony.
Ms. Tabassum Haliyal spoke on the significance of morality in everyday life, noting the rise of live-in relationships and the boyfriend/girlfriend culture. While acknowledging their appeal, she warned of potential complications regarding stability and commitment, encouraging reflection on the long-term consequences and the need for strong moral foundations in relationships.
At a public program in Vasco, Shri Dwarkanath Jadye, a priest at Ambabai Temple, emphasized the importance of embodying the morals we preach. He urged the audience to safeguard the values imparted by our elders.
Mr. Asif Hussain reminded attendees that God has provided us with a moral code and guidance, urging everyone to seek out these teachings. He pointed out that society today promotes many immoral behaviors, stressing the need for individuals to guide the younger generation in distinguishing between good and bad.
Mr. Ularico, a prominent social worker from Vasco, stated that moral standards are universal. He emphasized that, in a time when the world is facing a moral crisis, it is essential for us to come together and uphold the high moral values taught by our elders.
In a separate public program in Ponda, Mr. Kumar Vasudeo Vaze discussed the teachings of Shri Krishna as well as the character of Lord Rama, emphasizing the principles of selfless action and moral duty. Mr. Jamal Akhtar delivered an inspiring presentation on the significance of truth and honesty, drawing from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
In Sanvordem, Mr. Eknath Arjun Naik, a teacher and president of the All Goa Mathematics Association, emphasized that education should encompass both intellect and morals. He highlighted the need for deeper connections among individuals, regardless of religion, caste, or class, to elevate our moral values. He also called for the spiritual enlightenment of the younger generation.
At the concluding program in Margao, Mr. Iqbal Mulla, former National Secretary, JIH, stated that a person’s faith is reflected in their feelings when making choices between right and wrong. He noted that, on the Day of Judgment, every action, no matter how small, will be accounted for. He urged attendees to follow the example of the Last Messenger, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, as a guide for character development, emphasizing the importance of good behavior in a diverse society, including kindness towards neighbors.
Bashir Shaikh, President of All Goa Muslim Jamats, emphasized the importance for Muslims to be vigilant in their actions amid rising communal tensions in society. He urged the community to refrain from reacting to provocative words and actions.
Abdul Waheed Khan, former president of JIH Goa, highlighted that the tourism industry, both directly and indirectly, plays a significant role in spreading immorality within Goa. He called for efforts to purify the industry of all forms of immoral actions.
Mohidin Shaikh, Engineer and social worker, emphasized the importance of upholding morality in all aspects of life. He pointed out that activities like drug trafficking incur severe penalties in many countries.
Ayesha Shaikh, teacher, noted that a close relationship with Our Creator, safeguards us from satanic temptations which seem to be promising well-being in the beginning but ultimately lead to destruction.
Meenaz Banu, Member, Executive Committee, Women’s Dept, JIH, asserted that the slogan “my life, my rules” is misleading, as our behaviors inevitably affect others. She referenced a report from Goa in India Today, revealing that 80% of school-aged boys and girls watch pornography, with 40% of them viewing rape porn. This exposure, she argued, leads to harmful behaviors such as sexual assault on women. She also emphasized that pornography is a $97 billion industry annually, significantly contributing to the capitalist economy but destroying the moral fabric of society.
Overall, the Morality is Freedom events provided a rich opportunity for participants to engage in meaningful conversations, deepen their understanding of diverse faiths, and reaffirm their commitment to building a society free from Immorality and acknowledging true meaning of freedom.
