Indian American Muslim Council Statement on India’s 79th Independence Day

Washington, D.C., August 15, 2025 —The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) extends heartfelt congratulations to all Indians, at home and abroad, on the 79th anniversary of India’s independence. Today, we honor the vision, courage, and sacrifice of our freedom fighters, who dreamed of a sovereign nation rooted in justice, equality, and pluralism.

However, as we celebrate this historic day, we must also reflect on the state of our democracy. Over the last 11 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s authoritarian rule has weakened the very pillars of our republic. 

Religious minorities face relentless persecution, the free press is under attack, civil society is harassed, and dissent is met with repression. Bulldozer demolitions of Muslim homes and livelihoods, often carried out without due process, have become tools of collective punishment.

In Assam, the ongoing displacement of tens of thousands of Bengali-origin Muslim families is a humanitarian tragedy that shames the principles of our Constitution. These actions mirror the injustices our forefathers fought against during colonial rule.

“Our independence was not won to exchange one form of oppression for another. This Independence Day must be a call to action, a reminder that India needs a new freedom struggle, one to liberate itself from the chains of authoritarianism, hate, and religious persecution,” said IAMC President Mohammed Jawad.

IAMC stands united with all Indians committed to restoring democracy, safeguarding human rights, and building a future worthy of the sacrifices that gave birth to our nation.