Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM), delivered the Presidential Address at Vimalagiri Pastoral Centre, Kottayam on 'National Integration and the Role of Minority Communities'. He emphasized on the importance of inclusivity, tolerance, and social cohesion in India's diverse society.
Addressing an esteemed gathering of dignitaries, religious leaders, and policymakers, Lalpura highlighted India's rich cultural and religious diversity, calling it a melting pot of traditions and faiths. He stressed the vital role of minority communities, including Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis in shaping the nation’s history and development.
However, he acknowledged that minority communities often face challenges in accessing education, employment, and healthcare, leading to marginalization. He urged the nation to work towards a more inclusive and equitable society by protecting minority rights and ensuring equal access to opportunities and resources.
The Chairman underscored the need for interfaith dialogue and mutual respect to foster social harmony. In this regard, he highlighted two key initiatives launched by the National Commission for Minorities (NCM):
Sarab Dharma Sambad A platform to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding by bringing together leaders from different faith communities to discuss common challenges.
Sarab Dharma Sadhbhawana A program aimed at fostering social cohesion and communal harmony through mutual respect and cooperation.
These initiatives, he stated, reflect the NCM’s commitment to strengthening national integration and promoting peace.
Furthermore, the Chairman emphasized the role of education in breaking down societal barriers. He advocated for inclusive curricula that educate children about India’s diverse cultures, faiths, and traditions to instill a spirit of unity and acceptance from a young age.

India is heaven for minorities

He said that the numbers of minorities have increased and they have excess to every post and facility in the nation.
In his concluding remarks, Lalpura reaffirmed the nation's commitment to national integration, urging all citizens to uphold values of tolerance, acceptance, and inclusivity. He called for collective efforts to build a society where every individual, regardless of their faith or background, can live with dignity and pride.
This event served as a significant step in reinforcing India’s unity in diversity, ensuring that minority communities remain an integral part of the nation’s progress.