Mumbai, August 15: The President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Maharashtra has called for good governance and sustainable development of the state.
Delivering his message on India’s 78th Independence Day, the JIH President Maulana Ilyas Khan Falahi said, “15 August is indeed a joyous occasion for all countrymen. India’s independence from British rule came through immense struggle and sacrifice. Notably, the role of Muslim Ulama (religious scholars) needs to be acknowledged in our freedom struggle. After gaining freedom, we adopted a Constitution rooted in justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. However, we need to redouble our efforts to attain the goals that our founding fathers envisaged for the nation.”
Maulana Ilyas Falahi stated, “While we have made notable achievements since Independence, we must acknowledge the challenges we face. Good governance is the need of the hour. It is a fundamental right of a citizen. It includes transparency, accountability, and justice. The government must ensure that the basic needs of all citizens, especially those of the poorest are met and they live a life with dignity. In recent years, there has been a shrinking of democratic space, a decline in media independence, rising intolerance, and efforts to promote majoritarianism, which threatens our pluralism.”
JIH President averred, “The government must ensure the right to quality education as it is the cornerstone of personal growth and societal progress. Access to quality education is not just a privilege but a fundamental right that must be upheld for the betterment of our nation. Also, the government must ensure sustainable development that prioritizes the well-being of our planet and future generations. It is essential to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility, ensuring a harmonious and sustainable future. We must focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and achieve our committed targets. We must ensure that the benefits of economic progress reach all, especially the marginalized, including Dalits and minorities.”
Voicing concern over the deterioration in society, Maulana Ilyas Falahi averred, “Jamaat-e-Islami Hind is deeply concerned about the decline in ethics and morality across all spheres of life. Corruption and materialism are eroding our spirituality and piety. We have strayed from the noble values taught by our divinely guided leaders. Islam, the Last Divine Guidance, provides clear instructions in this regard, and we invite all countrymen to study and reflect on its message. On this Independence Day, let us pledge to rebuild our nation together. Let us make our state of Maharashtra a model for others, creating a future where our coming generations are materially prosperous, spiritually strong, and morally resilient. I pray to the Almighty to bless our nation and our state with true success, prosperity, freedom, knowledge, wisdom, and the ability to discern right and wrong.”
