Mumbai: On the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day, Maulana Ilyas Khan Falahi, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Maharashtra, called for a moral rejuvenation across the state and nation. Expressing concern over what he described as an alarming decline in morality at both individual and collective levels, he urged citizens to reclaim the noble values that inspired India’s freedom struggle.
“August 15 is a day of pride for every Indian, marking our hard-won independence through sacrifice and unity,” Maulana Ilyas Falahi said. He highlighted the contributions of Muslim Ulema and scholars in mobilizing people against oppression, calling it an often-overlooked chapter of history. While acknowledging progress in infrastructure, technology, and global influence, he stressed the need to address moral erosion that, he warned, threatens democracy and communal harmony.
At the individual level, the JIH President pointed to a growing culture of materialism, consumerism, and detachment from spirituality. He linked these trends to rising family breakdowns, substance abuse, and moral lapses. “People are drifting away from compassion, honesty, and self-restraint, creating a culture of isolation and moral apathy,” he remarked.
On the collective front, he condemned corruption, nepotism, and misuse of power among the political class. He cited embezzlement, corporate scams, black-market dealings, electoral malpractices, and declining accountability as causes of widening inequality and public distrust. He also noted the rise in cyber frauds, human trafficking, and communal violence as signs of a deeper societal crisis.
Maulana Ilyas Falahi said that moral decline undermines governance, transparency, and justice. He warned against shrinking democratic spaces, media suppression, intolerance, and majoritarianism, which alienate minorities, Dalits, and marginalized groups. He called for value-based education to instill empathy, responsibility, and moral strength in citizens.
Invoking Islamic principles, he described Islam as a guide for ethical living, condemning corruption and injustice while promoting balance between material and spiritual growth. “On this Independence Day, let us pledge to reverse moral decline and build a Maharashtra that is an example of ethical governance, fraud-free economy, and compassionate citizenry,” he urged, concluding with prayers for the nation’s wisdom, morality, and true freedom from oppression.
