Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network—Mangaluru (CLP)

Mangaluru, Dec 12: ‘Human Rights Day’, which is commemorated on December 10, was observed at the deputy Commissioner's (DC) office, at 10.30 am on Wednesday. The programme began with an invocation by Shakuntala.

The chief guest S R Nayak, chairman, Karnataka Law Commission, along with other dignitaries, lit the lamp and inaugurated the programme. Speaking on the occasion, he said, "It is a happy day for human rights activists. Every year, December is celebrated like a festival around the world. During world wars, the humans showed the world that they can become animals and kill mercilessly and destroy the world. Many human right activists fought for the rights of the people. They prepared the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) which was later adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948."

He added that while framing the Indian Constitution, Dr B R Ambedkar, took many points from it. "Everyone is born equal; even before a child comes into the world it has its rights which have to be protected. Even when a person dies, he has the right to a decent burial or cremation. If an abandoned body is found, it has to buried or cremated by the district administration."

"All bureaucrats and people’s representatives have to protect the rights of the people. It has to be the aim of their life. The people also should not forget their responsibilities while running after their rights. Dakshina Kannada district has done a lot of contribution to the society by giving five best banks, education, and also service in the health sector. The media also plays a vital role in the transformation of the society. "

"I would like to congratulate 2014 Nobel Prize winners Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education," he added.

R Hitendra, police commissioner of Mangalore, said, "The theme of the year 2014 is 'Human Rights 365' meaning we have to respect human rights every day. India has accepted many laws and human rights but still many other laws which are followed by other countries are not yet followed. Individual rights are sub-ordinate to collective rights of the society."

Speaking on the occasion, S P Chengappa, president, Bar Association, said, "People wake up only when there is a threat to their rights. When human rights are being violated, it is a threat to the Constitution of India. A total of 530 soldiers were martyred during the Kargil War, but 3,364 CRPF Jawans have lost their lives fighting against the Naxals in four years."

Referring to various recent incidents, he said that the human rights are being violated in India and gave a call saying, "Coming together is a start, but let’s work together and defend and protect the rights of the people."

Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim, in his presidential speech, said, "Now we see violation of human rights is more. We have seen that historically it was the same and it is being continued today. Only if bureaucrats and people come together can we protect the rights of the people. India still ranks 134 out of 187 countries in protection of child rights and we have to work towards bringing the rank to below 25 in the future. As this year's motto is 'Human rights 365' let’s work towards protecting the rights of the people every day."

A discussion was held between various human right activists who put forth the various violations happening in the society.

The programme was compered by Prashanth.