New Delhi, 2 July 2022: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts organized the National Conference: Human Rights in Indian Culture and Philosophy on June 30, 2022, in New Delhi.
The NHRC also felicitated three filmmakers for creating short films on human rights and raising awareness. Union Minister Mr. R. K. Singh presented awards for the film ‘Street Student’ to Sandeep Akula who was awarded Rs. 2 lakhs, Romi Meitei was awarded Rs. 1.5 lakhs for his film ‘Karfew’ and Nilesh Ambedkar was awarded 1 lakhs for his film ‘Munghyar’.
In his address, the Chief Guest, Union Minister of Power, New and Renewable Energy, Mr. R. K. Singh said, “Non-violence, human rights, all these concepts are engrossed in our culture. We come from a culture where a common man can question a king,” he stated proudly. “We are the most tolerant people on earth. We never discriminate among religions, we worship all gods that is why we have a pantheon of gods,” he stated.
He also highlighted that the government has constructed 27 million homes for the poor and is in the process of constructing another 36 million. They have given water connections to about 7 crore homes and electricity connections to about 28 million homes. He claimed that the government has given free food to 80 crore people and health insurance to all poor people. “So, that is our concept of human rights,” he stated.
Further, Justice Arun Mishra, the chairman of NHRC addressed the audience, stating that Dharma, as a way of life, has become a strong pillar for respecting human rights. “The concept of ‘The World is One Family’ is a very old philosophy which is present in the ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’,” he stated. “The phrase ‘Satyameva Jayate’ (Truth always Triumphs), which is embodied in the national emblem has been an integral part of the Indian traditions,” he added.
While Dr. Dnyaneshwar Mulay, a member of the Human Rights Commission also said that for some time, in collaboration with the IGNCA, they have been discussing, “how to create a new narrative for human rights to complement the established narrative and make it complete. To make it all-inclusive, to take into consideration all that is good in this world.”
Dr. Mulay talked about the presence of human rights even before the declaration of independence and the making of the Constitution. He also talked about Emperor Ashoka spreading the word of peace after the denouncement of war was also an act of respecting and promoting human rights. “The need for human rights was created because of World War 2, and it was felt that the conscience of the entire mankind was shaken, and we need a new narrative,” he said.
While Dr. Sachidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA, in conversation with Ten News talked about the exhibition organized at the national conference, “through this exhibition, we are trying to showcase our ancient traditions as far as human rights are concerned,” he stated.
“Now since we are celebrating 75 years of Indian independence, it is high time that we speak loudly about our values, our ethics, and our traditions. This is a very good opportunity. We are trying to evolve with a new narrative and construct of human rights based on Indian philosophy and values,” he said.
The event was graced by the presence of the Union Minister of Power, New and Renewable Energy, Mr. R. K. Singh, Justice Arun Mishra, the chairman of NHRC, Dr. Dnyaneshwar Mulay, member of the Human Rights Commission, Dr Sachidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA among other esteemed dignitaries.
The conference was attended by 1000 plus Govt officers, diplomats, Social workers, legal practitioners and students.
