Pics: Spoorthi Ullal/Joshwa D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS/JD)

Mangaluru, Jan 16: "Human rights are being violated in the name of religion, but violation of human rights in the name of corruption and denial of services is much more than that in the name of religion. If we are aware of our rights, only then can violation be stopped," said former Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde.

He was speaking at a peace rally and convention on human rights organized by Bandhavya, a federation of 18 NGOs in the city on Saturday January 16. The rally was held from Milagres to St Agnes Special School grounds, where the convention was held. The event also marked the decennial celebrations of Bandhvya.

"Two important values are missing in society today - contentment and humanity. Everyone is greedy and wants to possess more, due to which the entire society is adversely affected," he said.

Narrating an incident where a doctor demanded money from a woman who delivered at a bus stand, he said, "Even though the doctor was earning Rs 60,000 a month and was in government service, he showed greediness. Today society honours one who is rich and powerful, but without humanity we are not humans. The main reason for the decline in human values is there is no moral science in the school curriculum today and parents do not have time to inculcate these values in children, due to which human rights are getting violated. A good society will be built when parents inculcate these values in children."

Bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza said, "I appreciate the work of NGOs that have organized this event. We can be called humans only if we live like one. Today human rights are being violated in the name of religion and religious intolerance. People are objecting to what others wear and eat, and similarly, even corruption contributes to violation of human rights. Only if we are aware of our rights can we be less vulnerable. I pray that God enlightens the minds of those in power so that human rights are not violated."

MLA J R Lobo said, "I congralulate Bandhavya on completing 10 years. In 2005 we had planned to start Bandhavya Okkuta consisting of 18 NGOs. This is a good programme to create awareness on human rights among people.

"Today in our society human rights are being violated in one or the other way. We cannot completely eradicate human rights violation but at least we can create awareness and educate people to fight for their rights. Human rights violation took place in the past also during first and second World Wars. Human rights violations may be of different types in different countries, the main concern is how to avoid it. There are two types of violations of human rights - one, on the basis of religion, and the other is due to corruption.

"In a democratic set up we vote the government to power and any governemnt that is in power should protect the rights of its citizens. But today, corruption has spread because of many reasons. The people who are financially backward are the most affected by corruption. Even during elections people expect money from political leaders. Corrupt political leaders have no moral right to lecture officials on corruption. When officials misuse their power, human rights are violated. Corruption increases when we lose our values and have no fear of law.

"Today there is a decline in the human values taught by educational insitutions, families and society at large. There is a need to pass on these values to the next generation. Majority and minority communities are part of the society. When we differentiate people on the basis of religion, human rights are violated. When a person thinks his religion is superior to the rest, then trouble starts. One must try to learn about other religions and respect them," Lobo said.

Activist Shailaja Santhosh said, "There are two major groups in society - the victim and the perpetrator, and there is a thin line between the two. Normally, people are not aware of their rights. Only when we are aware of our rights can we question their violation. Active participation of citizens comes with knowledge of human rights and reduction in atrocities. Only through unity can we achieve religious harmony and be tolerant towards others."

Vinod Mascarenhas, convenor of Bandhavya welcomed the gathering.

A play on human rights was performed by St Agnes students on the occasion.

CODP director Fr Oswald and others were present.