JAMMU. Aug 14: As India prepares to commemorate its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, Agha Syed Karar Hashmi — a prominent socio-political activist and seminarian from Ganderbal, Kashmir, currently pursuing advanced studies at the prestigious Jamia Al-Mustafa International University in Qom, Iran — has extended his heartfelt greetings to the nation, urging Indians worldwide to reaffirm their commitment to the values of unity, democracy, and pluralism that form the bedrock of the Republic.
In a press statement issued from the holy city of Qom, Hashmi, who hails from the small hamlet of Dab in Central Kashmir, reflected on the landmark significance of the 80th anniversary of India’s liberation from British rule. “Eight decades ago, our freedom fighters secured for us the invaluable gift of independence through immense sacrifice and unwavering resolve,” Hashmi said. “Today, as the tricolour flies high across the length and breadth of our motherland, we must honour that legacy by working tirelessly toward a prosperous, inclusive, and harmonious India.”
Hashmi, who has been actively raising public issues ranging from environmental degradation in Kashmir to the preservation of the region’s pluralistic cultural ethos, emphasised that the spirit of independence transcends geographical boundaries. “Though I am thousands of miles away in Iran, my heart beats with every Indian celebrating this historic day. The 80th Independence Day is not merely a date on the calendar — it is a reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard the sovereignty, secular fabric, and democratic ideals of our nation,” he remarked.
The activist, who has consistently raised his voice against terrorism, called upon the global Indian diaspora to renew their pledge to the nation’s progress. “Citizenship consists in the service of the country, as Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru rightly said,” Hashmi noted, quoting India’s first Prime Minister. “Whether we are in Kashmir, Qom, or any corner of the world, our duty toward India remains unchanged.”
Hashmi also paid tributes to the martyrs of the freedom struggle and urged the youth to draw inspiration from their courage. “The sacrifices of Bhagat Singh, Subhas Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi, and countless others must never be forgotten. Their vision of a free and just India is our guiding light,” he said.
Concluding his message, He invoked the spirit of unity that defines India’s civilisational ethos. “From the snow-capped Himalayas to the sun-kissed shores of Kanyakumari, India is a symphony of diverse cultures, languages, and faiths. Let us celebrate this diversity and work together to build a nation that our future generations will be proud of.”