The Delhi Minorities Commission celebrated the UN Minority Rights Day, on 20 December, at the India Islamic Cultural Centre, in the national capital. Through various cultural programs, all minority groups played their part to project unity in diversity, togetherness, we-feeling, pluralism and a sense of inclusiveness and peaceful coexistence.
The participants and various religious leaders expressed their viewpoints on the minority rights in the national and international perspectives including the violation of minority rights in India. The three members of the Delhi Minorities Commission, chairman Dr.Zafarul-Islam Khan (Muslim), Kartar Singh Kochhar (Sikh) and Anastasia Gill (Christian) were present on this occasion.
Acharya Dr.Lokesh Muni was honored for his contribution to the society and country and his long nationwide march on foot for the sake of communal harmony and unity besides his efforts in eradicating social evils.GianiRanjit Singh, a respected religious leader from the Sikh community in Delhi,for his role for the community and developing a sense of togetherness within the community. Catholic head of the Church of North India was felicitated for his contributions towards eliminating discrimination and inequality faced bythe weaker and marginalized sections.
The Chief Guest Manish Sisodia, Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, could not join the program due to some urgent party work. On behalf of him, Avtar Singh Kalka, MLA, delivered his message of the Delhi Government’s commitment to upholding the rights of the minorities.
- Salar Khan, Advocate spoke on, “Indian Laws on Minorities,” while Dr. Vinod briefed about violation on the minority rights in India. Harpal Singh shed light on the minorities and their duties and Prof. Z.M Khan briefed on the minority rights in the Indian perspective. All speakers emphasized on the need for peaceful coexistence and to create the atmosphere of togetherness to preserve and protect our unity in diversity for which we all are proud of at all forums. A book on Delhi Minorities Commissions’ vision and mandate, as well as Central and State schemes for the minorities, was also released during the program.