Dept. of Minority Welfare, Aligarh District organized a symposium regarding the rights of minorities on International Minority Day on 19 December. Chief Development Officer, Dinesh Singh said that in the independent India people with lesser population have progressed tremendously and the communities which are backward must learn from those people who have progressed in independent India. He further said that there is a need to uplift the economic backwardness of minorities by giving them proper education.
District Minority Welfare Officer (DMO), Dr. Amrita Singh said that, the United Nations had on Dec 18, 1992 promulgated the, “Declaration on the Rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities”, to strengthen the cause of minorities. She requested the delegates to take a pledge to uphold the rights of all minority communities. India stands for unity in diversity. The day is celebrated to promote the rights of minorities besides bringing a better understanding among the religious communities of the country.
Dr. Mohibul Haq from AMU said that the observance of International Minority Right’s Day is to reaffirm our commitment for the promotion of the rights of minorities. A state is best known by the amount of protection enjoyed by its minorities. Preserving the distinctiveness of minorities is the duty of the state according to the UN Declaration on Minorities.
Senior Faculty of the Department of Law, Aligarh Muslim University, Prof. Shakeel Samdani said that International Minority Day reminds us about International Commitment of our country towards minorities. It is the duty of State to protect their life and honour and preserve their religious and cultural identity. Prof. Samdani, elaborating the safeguards provided to the minorities in India, said that Indian Constitution is one of the best constitutions of the world. Indian Constitution safeguards the rights of religious and linguistic minorities as well as grants them special rights to establish educational institutions of their choice. Prof. Samdani cautioned the minorities that declaring any political party as untouchable is injurious for them because without the government support it is very difficult for minorities and weaker sections of the society to progress.
He praised the District Officials of Aligarh, especially Rishikesh Bhaskar Yashodh, DM, Rajesh Pandey, SSP, Dinesh Singh, CDO and Dr. Amrita Singh for maintaining a congenial atmosphere in the district and implementing the welfare schemes of the government honestly. In the last Prof. Samdani congratulated, Dr. Amrita Singh for organizing a wonderful program relating to minorities. Prof. Shakeel Samdani requested the audience, especially Muslims to undertake social work for the community and help the district officials in implementing the social welfare schemes in the district.
Presiding over the program, District Magistrate, Rishikesh Bhaskar Yashodh said that in independent India all communities have progressed tremendously. Being minority is not a handicap. He further said that India has always practised diversity and welcomed it. History bears testimony to this. Minorities have full freedom and space in the country. He acknowledged that the atmosphere in Aligarh is positive and with the help of people the schemes can be implemented in a better way.
The program was conducted by Mohd. Ahmad Shewan and Dr Amrita Singh presented the vote of thanks. Large number of representative from minority communities including women, teachers and government officials participated in the program.