The National Commission for Minorities celebrated "Minorities Day" here today. Minister of State (I/c) for Housing and Urban Affairs and Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri presided over the function. Vice-Chairman of National Commission for Minorities, Shri Atif Rasheed and senior officials of NCM were also present on the occasion.On this occasion, the Commission felicitated 12 covid warriors from all the six notified minority communities in appreciation of their exemplary contribution to the society during pandemic.Hardeep Singh Puri appreciated National Commission for Minorities for felicitating the COVID warriors from minority communities. He also emphasised that over the years, Govt. has been working for the development of the Minorities with dedication and the results are commendable. AatmaNirbhar Bharat is the vision of the Prime Minister of making India a self-reliant nation. In order to make PM's call of "Vocal for Local" a success, minorities themselves are taking initiative and participating in schemes like Make in India, Start up India etc. launched by the Government. With greater coordination, all Minorities will be empowered economically and will move together for development of the country to take it to the next level.While addressing the gathering, Shri Atif Rasheed, Vice Chairman, National Commission for Minorities congratulated the COVID warriors for their exemplary courage and dedication to the society. He also appealed to all present in the function to come forward and contribute to the society during the testing times like these awardees. He also informed the gathering about the role of the Government to maintain social harmony and peace among different communities. The various schemes being implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs for the welfare of the minorities are a big step towards social inclusiveness and economic upliftment.