All mosques and madrasas in Chhattisgarh have been directed by the State’s Waqf Board to hoist the national flag on the occasion of Independence Day. The board’s chairman Salim Raj said that the exercise would determine “who loves the country and who doesn’t”.
Mr. Raj said a letter was issued on Monday to all mutawallis (caretakers) in this regard, saying the tricolour is “a symbol of honour and pride” which is not linked to any religion.
The letter addressed to the mutawallis said, “Under the above subject, it is informed that our 78th Independence Day will be celebrated on 15th August 2025 this year. On the auspicious occasion of this national festival, the national flag should be hoisted at the main gate of all mosques/madrasas/dargahs situated in Chhattisgarh. Understand the importance of Independence Day and maintain the dignity of this occasion by showing patriotism, mutual unity and brotherhood.”
On the need to issue such an order, Mr. Raj said, during his discussion with some mutawallis, they refused to hoist the tricolour.
Above religion’
“Respecting the tricolour is above any religion. They had a problem in hoisting the tricolour and we were compelled to issue the order that flag hoisting should be done in front of the main entry of every mosque and in the presence of the Imam, mutawalli or mosque committee members,” the Waqf Board chairman said.
He added that those who did not love the tricolour and the country, had no “right to live on the land of Bharat Mata”. “This will make it clear that people who loved the country were different from religious fundamentalists,” he added.
Published – August 13, 2025 02:02 am IST
