Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 10: Human Rights Day was marked across Jammu and Kashmir with vibrant programmes, lectures, legal awareness activities, cultural performances and youth-centric engagements organized by educational institutions, civil society groups, legal services authorities and the Indian Army.
National Human Rights Social Justice Council of India (Global), led by Advocate Zargar Patnavi, celebrated Human Rights Day in Jammu with an inspiring programme attended by dignitaries including chief guest Manish Sharma and guest of honour Anil Padha. Special awards were presented to volunteers for their courageous service during the recent Kishtwar and Jammu flash-flood relief operations. Speakers highlighted the universal relevance of human rights, reaffirming a collective commitment to protect vulnerable communities and strengthen public awareness on justice, dignity and equality for all.
The Law School, University of Jammu, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Jammu, organized an awareness programme to commemorate the Day. The symposium was focused on the United Nations theme “Our Everyday Essentials”. The programme featured a keynote address by chief guest, Prof K L Bhatia, Founder Director of The Law School. Prof Bhatia elucidated the Indic vision of human rights, drawing from his extensive writings and research to frame a jurisprudence centered on the expectations of the common citizen. The guests of honour reinforced the judiciary’s role in upholding essential rights.
Dogra Law College, in collaboration with DLSA Samba, organized a Human Rights Awareness Programme designed to deepen students’ understanding of fundamental rights, duties and legal processes. The event featured a presidential address by R S Katal, who stressed the role of human rights education in shaping ethical legal professionals. DLSA Secretary Asma Choudhary briefed students on accessible justice and announced internships offering hands-on exposure to legal aid and counselling. A special address by Dr Samar Dev Singh Charak motivated students to use such platforms to enhance legal aptitude and social responsibility.
CMH College of Legal Studies organized a series of programmes to commemorate World Human Rights Day. During the week-long observance which started on December 3, extensive lectures were delivered by Dr Kalpana Rai Jayas (Dean, GNIOT Noida), Dr Kanika Sharma (Indian Society of International Law, Delhi) and Dr Niten Sharma (Law School,JU). The functions were presided over by ex-minister Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali, who is also Chairman of the College. The series of programmes culminated today with a special function organized in collaboration with the DLSA Jammu. An insightful lecture was delivered by Advocate Uma Kaphai, a penal lawyer associated with DLSA Jammu, highlighting the role of legal aid and access to justice.
DLSA Rajouri, supervised by Chairman Rajinder Sapru and guided by Secretary Shama Sharma, commemorated the Day in collaboration with Government PG College Rajouri. The programme focused on the theme “Rights for All – Justice, Equality and Human Dignity” through seminars, discussions and cultural items highlighting fundamental rights and civic duties. Students actively participated in debates, showcasing awareness of pressing rights-related issues. Addressing the gathering, Shama Sharma reiterated DLSA Rajouri’s commitment to ensuring legal awareness across every section of society.
Department of Political Science, University of Jammu, marked International Human Rights Day by organizing an invited lecture on “Human Rights Scenario in India: Trends and Challenges”. The session brought together faculty members, research scholars, and students for a reflective discussion on human rights in contemporary India. Addressing the gathering, Resource Person, Prof Mehraj-Uddin Mir, former VC of the Central University of Kashmir offered a thought-provoking engagement with the foundations of human rights. Prof Suman Jamwal, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, JU, along with Prof Baljit Singh Mann and other faculty members, was also present.
BJP Human Rights Cell, J&K, organized a significant gathering at the High Court premises, Jammu, where a large number of advocates, social activists, party workers, and citizens assembled to reaffirm their commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights. The programme was conducted under the guidance of Rajesh Thappa, Advocate, convenor, BJP Human Rights Cell, and was attended by Sarfraz Hamid Rather, Advocate, co-convenor, Arvind Khajuria, and others. The programme concluded with a collective pledge to uphold the spirit of human rights and constitutional values in letter and spirit.
GDC Akhnoor observed the Day with a thought-provoking lecture organized by the ICASH committee in collaboration with the Tehsil Legal Services Committee. Convener Dr Monika Malhotra opened the event by stressing the need to reaffirm justice, dignity and freedom for all. Resource person and panel lawyer Meetika Sharma delivered an insightful talk on the universality of rights, institutional responsibilities and India’s transition to new criminal laws. A group discussion on sexual harassment provided a safe platform for participants to explore legal frameworks, reporting mechanisms, empathy and zero-tolerance approaches.
Kashmiri Pandit Conference (KPC) organized a meeting in New Delhi to deliberate upon the continued human rights violations suffered by the victim Kashmiri Pandit community. Addressing the meeting, Kundan Kashmiri, KPC president, stated that Kashmiri Pandits did not migrate by choice but were forcibly uprooted from the Kashmir Valley through targeted killings. He demanded that the Government of India must formally acknowledge Kashmiri Pandits as victims of genocide and grant them Indigenous Status as the original inhabitants of Kashmir. He stated that human rights lose all meaning when victims are ignored for decades.
The Crossed Swords Division under the White Knight Corps marked Human Rights Day by organizing an Essay and Debate Competition at Government High School, Kaleeth. Thirty-five students participated enthusiastically, presenting their views on equality, empowerment and social responsibility. Army personnel interacted with the children, encouraging values of compassion, unity and respect for others’ rights. Exceptional participants were awarded, inspiring students to engage actively in intellectual and socially meaningful activities.
GDC Darhal observed the Day with an awareness programme organized under the patronage of Principal Prof Zamir Ahmed Mirza. Faculty members delivered detailed lectures on the historical significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the responsibilities of citizens in safeguarding these principles. Students engaged in discussions and presentations on issues such as gender equality, child rights and freedom of expression. The Principal encouraged students to uphold human values while contributing positively to building a fair and inclusive society.
Aadarsh Bhartiya Samaja (a social organization) marked Human Rights Day with the theme “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials,” focusing on public awareness about rights and civic duties. Guided by Col R K Sharma (Retired), Daljeet Singh and Munish Sharma, the organization highlighted the need for citizens to remain vigilant about their rights while fulfilling their responsibilities towards the nation.
BLSKS observed the Day with a mega cultural programme at Durga Bhawan, Janipur, in collaboration with Sangam Tru Art Production and National College of Computer Education. The event, themed “Our Everyday Essentials,” used musical plays and awareness songs written and directed by Dr M L Dogra to promote tolerance, equality and human dignity. Performances highlighted the relevance of human rights in daily life.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
