United Nations defines Human rights as rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination.
Raising awareness about human rights is crucial for fostering a culture of respect and justice, empowering individuals to understand and protect their own rights, and ultimately preventing human rights violations. To promote such awareness, Princeton Foundation organized a seminar in collaboration with the St Stephen’s College, New Delhi. The chief guest and speaker at the seminar was the Secretary General of the National Human Rights Commission, India, Mr. Bharat Lal.
Watch full seminar here
In the talk, Mr. Lal reiterated that human rights are not just legal frameworks but core human values that define our civilization. Reflecting on India’s 5,000-year-old history, he highlighted how the country has upheld the principles of fraternity, equality, justice, liberty, non-violence, and acceptance, as exemplified by figures like Gautam Buddha, King Ashoka, and Mahatma Gandhi. Mr. Lal shared insights on Ashoka, who, after Kalinga war, embraced the ideals of Dhamma, promoting justice, tolerance, and ethical governance, and on Gandhi, whose non-violence, truth, and advocacy for civil liberties transformed India’s fight for independence into a global quest for equality and justice. These legacies demonstrate that human rights, justice, and dignity are deeply embedded in our cultural ethos.
India’s institutional framework for human rights is robust, with the Constitution guaranteeing Fundamental Rights that protect liberty, equality, justice, and dignity for all. Article 32, known as the ‘heart and soul of the Constitution,’ empowers citizens to seek justice directly from the Supreme Court, reinforcing the rule of law. The Directive Principles of State Policy guide the governments toward ensuring that human rights are not just ideals but tangible realities.
Institutions like the NHRC, Sectoral Commissions, and State Human Rights Commissions play crucial roles in safeguarding these rights. NHRC’s proactive interventions on issues such as workplace safety, marginalized communities, and emerging human rights concerns ensure justice remains accessible.
India has long been a land of acceptance, not mere tolerance, reflecting a civilizational ethos that embraces diversity. Over the centuries, India has offered refuge to those in need—whether Polish children during World War II, Tibetan exiles, or displaced populations from East Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and several African nations. This legacy of compassion has shaped India’s approach to human rights.
With 1.44 billion people in the country, the role of young minds in shaping the future is more critical than ever. Today, citizens’ socio-economic and cultural rights are being fulfilled swiftly. While the government has made significant progress in improving quality of life and ensuring dignity for all, it is crucial for the youth to actively contribute to promoting human rights.
Mr. Lal concluded by appealing to students to reflect and determine the purpose of their life. He exhorted them to collectively commit to work for to uphold equality, justice and human dignity to all human beings.
