IAMC President Shaheen Khateeb Republic Day Message.
Assalam Alaikum. Peace be upon you.
It gives me immense pleasure to extend my warmest greetings to you on the occasion of the 63rd Republic Day of India.
For over 6 decades, India has been a democratic Republic. As Indian Americans, we are truly proud of this accomplishment. While our freedom struggle continues to inspire movements across the world, the Constitution of India that came into effect on January 26, 1950 represents the highest aspirations of the world’s largest democracy.
| The Constitution is truly a remarkable document. Through its declaration of India as a sovereign, secular Republic and its objectives of liberty, justice and equality for all its citizens, the Constitution provides a framework where all people, irrespective of caste, creed and ethnicity can live together as a single nation. The Constitution should therefore be cherished and protected.
India’s quest however, as a nation is not complete. Too many Indians are deprived of the justice and equality that are enshrined in the Constitution. The spirit of fraternity that the Constitution refers to, is not yet firmly established. The tolerance for which our civilization is renowned is facing serious threats, giving birth to sectarianism, bigotry and violence. |
I thank all the IAMC chapters and its volunteers across the nation for organizing the Republic Day celebrations.
As Indian Americans, we have a responsibility to work towards the ideals for which countless Indians have given enormous sacrifices. On behalf of the Indian American Muslim Council, its executive, Board members, volunteers and our partners, I wish you a very Happy Republic Day. May the spirit of camaraderie of this Day extend to all Indians, and help us to come together for the important task of nation building.
