New Delhi, – The 20th Foundation Day of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI) was marked by powerful speeches and reflections on India’s inclusive progress at a grand event held on Wednesday in New Delhi. The event saw the presence of prominent leaders and experts including Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan, Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) Chief Patron Indresh Kumar, NCMEI Officiating Chairman Dr. Shahid Akhter, National Minority Commission Chairman Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Chanakya Law University VC Dr. Faizan Mustafa, and other distinguished dignitaries.
Dharmendra Pradhan: Strengthening Constitutional Rights and Education
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addressed the gathering with an impassioned speech highlighting the importance of the rights enshrined in India’s Constitution, especially as the nation celebrates the 75th year of its adoption. Pradhan lauded the efforts of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions in transforming the educational landscape for minorities.
“The Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has worked to ensure that every underprivileged citizen is included in the nation’s growth, with initiatives like housing, bank accounts, gas cylinders, and free ration,” Pradhan said. He attributed these advancements to the guiding mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.
Further emphasizing the need for education reform, Pradhan called for the full implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He urged minority institutions to contribute actively to the implementation of NEP, which aims to revolutionize India’s educational system by integrating skill development, academic credits, and diverse learning pathways.
Indresh Kumar: Harmony and Unity in Diversity
Indresh Kumar, Chief Patron of Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), reflected on India’s beautiful pluralism, emphasizing the shared heritage between Hindus and Muslims. He reiterated that there is no conflict between the majority and minority communities, both of which coexist peacefully while respecting each other’s values.
In his address, Kumar also tackled recent unrest in places like Sambhal and Ajmer, urging citizens to trust in the Constitution and judiciary while staying away from disruptive elements. He pointed out how certain political forces exploit these tensions for their own gain, dividing communities for selfish purposes.
“Let us expose those who sow seeds of division,” he urged, calling for the unity of all communities in the face of external challenges. He also expressed his deep concern for the atrocities faced by minorities in Bangladesh and stressed the need for justice and decisive action to address the crisis.
Dr. Faizan Mustafa: The Role of Law in Uniting the Nation
Dr. Faizan Mustafa, the Vice Chancellor of Chanakya Law University, captivated the audience with his in-depth legal analysis of minority rights and the Indian Constitution. He eloquently outlined the role of the Constitution in promoting social cohesion while ensuring that no group feels marginalized. His speech highlighted how India’s legal framework upholds the values of equality, justice, and inclusion, which are essential for national unity.
Dr. Shahid Akhter: Two Decades of Empowerment for Minority Educational Institutions
Dr. Shahid Akhter, the Officiating Chairman of NCMEI, took the opportunity to reflect on the commission’s remarkable journey over the last two decades. Under his leadership, the NCMEI has supported and strengthened minority-run educational institutions, enabling them to provide quality education that meets the aspirations of the community.
Dr. Akhter emphasized that today, minority institutions are on par with their majority counterparts in terms of quality and achievements. “These institutions are empowering the youth of minority communities to contribute meaningfully to nation-building,” he said, noting their significant role in enhancing literacy rates and offering professional education.
Iqbal Singh Lalpura: Unity in Diversity is the Key to National Progress
Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Chairman of the National Minority Commission, spoke about the importance of harmony among all communities. He asserted that India’s progress depends on collective efforts, transcending religious differences. Lalpura cited the heroic sacrifice of Shaheed Captain Hameed, a Muslim soldier who laid down his life to protect the nation, as a shining example of unity in action.
“We are all brothers—Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians,” Lalpura said, urging the nation to stand united for its prosperity. His words resonated with the vision of a cohesive, inclusive India that thrives on cooperation among its diverse communities.
Video massege from Delhi LG VK Saxena & Bollywood Actor Boman Irani
Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, Vinay Kumar Saxena, and Bollywood actor Boman Irani, in their video message, emphasized the importance of Hindu-Muslim unity and the harmony between minority and majority communities. Both of them conveyed a powerful message that for India to be a truly great and strong nation, all religions should coexist with mutual respect, unity, and brotherhood. They highlighted that the path to a prosperous and harmonious India lies in fostering understanding and collaboration between diverse communities, ensuring that everyone, irrespective of their faith, works together for the collective progress and strength of the nation.
Call for Collective Action and National Unity
The event was not only a celebration of the NCMEI’s 20 years of service to minority education but also a powerful reminder of the need for unity, mutual respect, and shared responsibility in building a prosperous nation. The speeches by leaders such as Dr. Shahid Akhter, Indresh Kumar, and Dharmendra Pradhan reinforced the importance of education, legal protection, and social harmony in a diverse nation like India.
In attendance were several other prominent figures, including Dr. Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, Upadhyaya Ravindra Muni, Dr. Bhikkhu Dhammapal Maha Thero, and Archbishop Raphy Manjaly, all of whom echoed the call for collective effort and unity in the pursuit of a more inclusive India.
As the event concluded, it was clear that India’s future lies in embracing its diversity and working together to build a nation that honors the values of equality, justice, and harmony, as envisioned by the framers of the Constitution.
