The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) commemorated Minority Day on December 18, 2025, reaffirming its pivotal role in safeguarding the rights, welfare and empowerment of religious minorities in India. The observance brought together leaders and representatives from six minority communities—Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains and Zoroastrians (Parsis)—to reflect on inclusion, coexistence and collaborative nation-building.
Community Voices Highlight Inclusion and Shared Values
Guest Speaker Michael V. Williams of Mount Carmel School highlighted why Minority Day matters, drawing attention to the Christian community’s long-standing contributions to education and healthcare—institutions that serve society beyond denominational lines.
Md. Tauhid Alam of Jamia Hamdard situated minority welfare within the national ethos of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Vikas, emphasising that inclusive governance is central to contemporary policymaking.
Harbans Singh of Khalsa College drew from Gurubani, underscoring that coexistence and collective prosperity are lived traditions, not slogans.
Representing Buddhist and Jain perspectives, Yeshi Phuntsok and Indu Jain candidly discussed community-specific challenges and sought responsive redressal from the Commission. Veteran Parsi leader Marazban Nariman Zaiwalla concluded the session by outlining minority-focused programmes and the NCM’s role as a bridge bringing India’s diverse communities onto a shared civic platform.
Open Session: Dialogue and Solutions
A well-attended open session saw active participation from minority community members. Queries ranged from Minority Certificates to the implementation of government schemes, reflecting strong engagement and a collective commitment to resolving issues through dialogue and cooperation.
Creating an Inclusive and Equitable Society
Addressing the gathering, Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, NCM, detailed the government’s schemes aimed at uplifting minority communities across education, skill development, financial support and empowerment. She noted that minorities have made invaluable contributions to India’s social, cultural and economic fabric, and reiterated that the Commission works tirelessly to build an inclusive and equitable society.
Ms. Upadhyaya emphasised that government actions are guided by the principle that no one is left behind, ensuring equal opportunities for progress and prosperity for all communities. She also highlighted the importance of continuous inter-community dialogue to address concerns effectively.
NCM’s Enduring Role
Reiterating the Commission’s mandate, Ms. Upadhyaya stated that since its inception, the NCM has played a pivotal role in protecting minority rights, advancing welfare measures and empowering communities through continuous engagement with State Governments, stakeholders and minority groups. She assured that minority voices are heard, their issues addressed, and their aspirations advanced through sustained, constructive engagement.
Conclusion: National Commission for Minorities
The Minority Day observance underscored the NCM’s commitment to inclusion, dialogue and partnership. By amplifying community voices and strengthening policy outreach, the Commission continues to foster a shared civic space—one where diversity is respected, participation is encouraged and collective progress remains the common goal.
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Source: PIB
