Eight Delhi residents were recognized for excellence in various fields at the first annual conference of the Delhi Minorities Commission (DMC) at Vigyan Bhavan, Delhi on December 17, 2018. "Minorities are groups small in number... not formidable in strength to be part of mainstream society,” emphasized Dr Syeda Hameed, ex-member, Planning Commission, a sentiment echoed by Prof Aftab Alam of Jawaharlal Nehru University.
From left, 1st row: Maja Daruwala, Dr Shernaz Cama, Novy Kapadia, Rukshana Shroff;
2nd row: Shernaz Wadia, Kerman Mehta, Spenta and Simonil Jassawala
The Delhi Parsi Anjuman had earlier been requested to nominate outstanding personalities, achievers of distinction, and social and community workers for the awards. Community members felicitated by chief guest Delhi assembly speaker Ram Niwas Goel were Maja Daruwala (human rights activism); Rukshana Shroff and Kerman Mehta (teaching); Novy Kapadia (journalism); Dr Shernaz Cama and Sherna Wadia (nongovernmental sector); and twins Simonil and Spenta Jassawala (academics).
DMC chairman Dr Zafarul Islam Khan briefed the audience about the development and success of schemes to help the minorities. Also present were Anatasia Gill and Kartar Singh Kocchar, DMC members. Dignitaries included Delhi revenue minister Kailash Gahlot, Delhi minister for social welfare Rajendra Pal Gautam, and Dr Atishi Marlena, education advisor to Delhi’s deputy chief minister.