NCMEI: 20th Foundation Day Celebrated with Calls for Unity, Education Reform, and Minority Empowerment

The National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI) celebrated its 20th Foundation Day on Wednesday in New Delhi. The event featured speeches by key leaders, including Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan, Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) Chief Patron Indresh Kumar, NCMEI Officiating Chairman Dr Shahid Akhter, and National Minority Commission Chairman Iqbal Singh Lalpura.

Dharmendra Pradhan Highlights Education Reform

Dharmendra Pradhan delivered a speech highlighting the importance of constitutional rights, particularly in the 75th year of the Constitution’s adoption. He praised the work of NCMEI in enhancing education for minorities and reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive growth.

Pradhan emphasized that under Prime Minister Modi, the government has focused on welfare programs for underprivileged citizens. He highlighted initiatives such as housing, bank accounts, and free ration. He urged minority institutions to contribute to implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The NEP aims to revolutionize India’s educational system, promoting skill development and diverse learning pathways.

Indresh Kumar’s Call for Unity and Harmony Across Communities

Indresh Kumar, Chief Patron of MRM, reflected on India’s pluralism and the shared heritage between Hindus and Muslims. He stressed that both communities coexist peacefully and should not be divided by political forces. Kumar called for unity, urging citizens to trust the Constitution and judiciary.

He also addressed concerns about unrest in Sambhal and Ajmer, stating that citizens must avoid falling for divisive tactics. Kumar expressed deep concern over the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh, demanding justice and decisive action.

 

Dr Faizan Mustafa, Vice Chancellor of Chanakya Law University, also delivered a compelling speech about the role of law in promoting social cohesion and ensuring no group feels marginalized.

Dr Shahid Akhter, Officiating Chairman of NCMEI, reflected on the commission’s journey over the last two decades. He emphasized the role of minority-run educational institutions in empowering the community. Dr Akhter noted that these institutions now match their majority counterparts in quality and achievements, enabling youth from minority communities to contribute to nation-building.

Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Chairman of the National Minority Commission, also addressed the gathering. He spoke about unity in diversity and the role of all communities in India’s progress. Lalpura highlighted the sacrifice of Shaheed Captain Hameed, a Muslim soldier who laid down his life for the nation.

Delhi LG VK Saxena, Boman Irani Emphasize Unity and Harmony in Video Message

Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, Vinay Kumar Saxena, and Bollywood actor Boman Irani, in a joint video message, stressed the significance of Hindu-Muslim unity and the harmony between minority and majority communities. They called for mutual respect, unity, and brotherhood among all religions in India.

Both Saxena and Irani conveyed that India’s strength and greatness depend on the coexistence of different faiths. They emphasized the need for understanding and collaboration between diverse communities to ensure collective progress. Their message underscored that only through unity can India become a truly prosperous and harmonious nation.

The Foundation Day event served as a reminder of the importance of unity, mutual respect, and collective responsibility in building a prosperous nation. The speakers emphasized that the future of India depends on embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive society where all communities thrive together.

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