NHRC celebrates its 20th anniversary
The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC celebrated its 20th anniversary on the 12th October, 2013. Addressing a function organised in New Delhi to mark the occasion, Justice Shri Cyriac Joseph, Member, NHRC described it as momentous and recalled the contributions of Parliamentarians, who passed the Protection of Human Rights (PHR) Act in 1993 and leaders of the then Government, which constituted the Commission under this Act. He said that it was a matter of pride that many eminent persons served the Commission as its Chairpersons and Members, who were ably supported by officers and staff in getting it recognition at national and international level.
Justice Joseph said that the phenomenal increase in the number of cases, over the years, speaks volumes for the credibility of the Commission. Its credibility will depend on how independently and impartially, it takes initiatives for immediate relief to the victims of human rights violations. He said that the Commission has done tremendous work for the protection and promotion of human rights, however, there is still a lot to do for upholding the constitutional values and achieving the goals set out in the PHR Act.
On the occasion, he also gave away prizes to the winners of children's painting competition organized on the human rights related themes as part of the Foundation Day celebrations. Shri Hukam Chand, Shri Shubhra Pratim Halder, Shri Venudhar Routiya and Sushree Divyani Choudry were awarded first, second and third prizes for Rs. 10000/-, 7500/-, 7500/- and 5000/- respectively for their essay in Hindi on "66 years of Independence and status of Dalits : and evaluation". Later, a cultural programme was organized in which officers and staff of the Commission also participated. Member Shri S.C. Sinha presented mementos to the artists. Earlier, Shri J.S. Kochher, Joint Secretary, NHRC welcomed the guests and also highlighted the importance of the event.
Justice Joseph said that the phenomenal increase in the number of cases, over the years, speaks volumes for the credibility of the Commission. Its credibility will depend on how independently and impartially, it takes initiatives for immediate relief to the victims of human rights violations. He said that the Commission has done tremendous work for the protection and promotion of human rights, however, there is still a lot to do for upholding the constitutional values and achieving the goals set out in the PHR Act.
On the occasion, he also gave away prizes to the winners of children's painting competition organized on the human rights related themes as part of the Foundation Day celebrations. Shri Hukam Chand, Shri Shubhra Pratim Halder, Shri Venudhar Routiya and Sushree Divyani Choudry were awarded first, second and third prizes for Rs. 10000/-, 7500/-, 7500/- and 5000/- respectively for their essay in Hindi on "66 years of Independence and status of Dalits : and evaluation". Later, a cultural programme was organized in which officers and staff of the Commission also participated. Member Shri S.C. Sinha presented mementos to the artists. Earlier, Shri J.S. Kochher, Joint Secretary, NHRC welcomed the guests and also highlighted the importance of the event.