The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) observed Minorities Rights Day in New Delhi on 18 December 2024, marking the anniversary of the United Nations’ 1992 declaration on the rights of religious, linguistic, national, and ethnic minorities.
Minister of State for Minority Affairs, George Kurian, who attended as the chief guest, spoke about the contributions of minority communities to India’s social, cultural, and economic landscape. In his address, Kurian discussed the government’s commitment to implementing schemes effectively, referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” (Together, Development for All, Trust for All, Everyone’s Effort).
The event, presided over by NCM Chairman Iqbal Singh Lalpura, brought together representatives from six minority communities - Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Zoroastrians - alongside members of the majority community. Lalpura highlighted the NCM’s role in safeguarding minority interests since its establishment. “Through continuous engagement with state governments, stakeholders and minority communities, we have made significant strides in improving the lives of citizens from all walks of life,” he said.
However, data from various monitoring organisations presents a different picture of minority experiences in India. Research published by the Ballard Center for Social Impact in Fall 2024 indicates that anti-Muslim hate speech has risen by 62% in the latter half of 2023. Meanwhile, the United Christian Forum, which monitors hate crimes against Christians, has documented 161 incidents in just the first 75 days of 2024, with Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh recording the highest number of cases. The Forum’s data shows that over 100 Christians have been arrested on charges of religious conversion, while 122 pastors and other community members have faced detention.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs outlined various initiatives focusing on education, skill development, and financial support for minority communities. The celebration included the release of a book on Sikhism authored by Chairman Lalpura and the third edition of the NCM Newsletter. The Minister also inaugurated a Minority Day Quiz focusing on various minority communities in India.
An exhibition at the venue showcased the Ministry of Minority Affairs’ schemes and the NCM’s programmes. While official speeches emphasised diversity as a foundation for prosperity and social harmony, recent data from monitoring organizations indicates growing challenges faced by minority communities on the ground.
The celebration commemorated the UN’s 1992 Statement on Individual Rights belonging to Religious or Linguistic National or Ethnic Minorities. This annual observance, designed to uphold principles of freedom and equal opportunities, comes at a time when documented reports suggest a widening gap between institutional aspirations and ground realities for India’s minority communities.
Senior officials from the NCM attended the function, with both the Minister and Chairman reiterating their commitment to minority welfare. As the celebration concluded with ceremonial launches and statements of intent, statistics from various monitoring organisations continued to highlight the disconnect between official ceremonies and the daily experiences of minority communities across the country.
