Speaking in Persian and translated into Urdu by local scholar Qamar Hasnain, Elahi said Khamenei’s relationship with India was not symbolic but deeply personal and intellectual.
He recalled how the supreme leader closely followed Indian scholarship, read books by Indian authors and remained aware of the country’s intellectual traditions. Elahi underlined the depth of that engagement, saying, “He knew Indian scholars by name and often referred to their work.”
Elahi admitted that for years he had wondered why Khamenei was so affectionate towards India. He said, the answer to that question came only after the death of the leader. Pausing as there was silence in the Imambara, he told the gathering, “Now I understand why he loved India so much.”
He pointed to the widespread mourning seen across the country, cutting across religious lines. “I have seen it with my own eyes,” Elahi said. “Shia, Sunni, Hindu, Sikh, Christian. The suffering was not limited to one community. People from all backgrounds expressed grief, shed tears and showed their love.” This shared emotional response revealed the genuine bond between Khamenei and India, he said.
Describing India as a land of justice, spirituality and humanity, Elahi said it is natural for the people here to feel connected to a leader who stands for respect and moral values. His comments evoked clear emotion in the audience, with many attendees crying quietly and others nodding in agreement.
After focusing on Khamenei’s relationship with India, Elahi turned to other aspects of his life, portraying him as a leader who combined power with simplicity. He said that despite holding the highest office in Iran for decades, Khamenei never owned a private house. Even his family, including his four sons, continued to live in a rented house. This claim brought murmurs of surprise and admiration in the gathering.
Elahi presented this as a reflection of his character, saying, “He had power, influence and position, yet he chose a life detached from material wealth.”
Narrating a shocking anecdote, Elahi said that when Khamenei was warned about threats to his life and advised to move to a safe bunker with his family, the leader refused. Instead, he asked how protection could be ensured for the millions of ordinary Iranians, especially the poor, who had no shelter. “How can I protect myself when my people remain unsafe?” Ilahi quoted him as saying, calling it a reflection of his deep sense of responsibility.
He described Khamenei’s spiritual discipline, saying that he would rise several hours before dawn for prayers and remain calm even during crises. Elahi also drew parallels between Khamenei and Imam Hussein, saying both were symbols of sacrifice, patience and unwavering resolve.
As soon as the speech ended, the atmosphere inside Chhota Imambara was filled with emotions.
