Seminar-cum-interaction on theme “Youth and National Building: The Role of Minorities” 

Chandigarh, November 7, 2023: Panjab University, Chandigarh and National Commission for Minorities organized a seminar-cum-interaction on the theme “Youth and National Building: The Role of Minorities” on today at ICSSR Complex, Panjab University, Chandigarh. The esteemed speakers in the panel were Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Gurbachan Jagat, Satyapal Jain, Manmohan Singh, Prof Rumina Sethi (DUI, PU)&Prof. Simrit Kahlon, DSW(W).

Various speakers presented their views on the theme of the Seminar. Additional Solicitor General of India, Member of Law Commission Dr.Satyapal Jain discussed about the minority religions i.e. Jain religion, Budhism, Christianity and their religious practices. He pointed out that people from all religions are equal and they should respect each other’s religion. He mentioned about Article 51A.He was of the opinion that minority and majority both should learn to speak on their problems and issues. 

Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Chairperson of minority commission started his lecture by greeting in all religious way. He traced history of minorities in India and their struggles. He was of the opinion that during the freedom struggle there was harmony in Indian society, respect for others’ religions. He mentioned about recent violent activities occurred in the society i.e. ‘Nooh Violence’, he said that criminals have no caste or religion. Social media is becoming a tool to radicalize society but we need to use social media wisely so that we could able to make our society harmonize again.
 
Manmohan Singh (Ex. IPS) highlighted that we need to admit that our society is not monolithic; it is plural and greatly diverse, our Constitution itself made provisions to enable society of co- existence. He mentioned about various political scholars and leaders of India and established opinion that co-existence is the basic premise of our civilization. And he put urge that brotherhood of the society should not be hampered by radical elements. We need to recognize efforts of women and other social minorities in the nation building so that they feel integrated into main stream. 

The discussion ended with question answer session. Several pertinent questions were asked by the members of audience which were answered by the panelists. The Seminar concluded with the closing remarks by Prof. Simrit Kahlon. The event was attended by students of Various schools of Chandigarh,  faculty, research scholars and  students of Panjab University and also  veterans from the tricity.