Human Rights Activists Should Not Think of Money, but be the Voice of Voiceless – Meera Saksena
Mangaluru: Karnataka Human Rights Panel organized “Human Rights Awareness Programme”, at the Town Hall here on April 26.
The programme began with an invocation. Founder President of Karnataka Human Rights Panel Srinivas Gowda inaugurated the programme in the absence of the Commissioner of Karnataka State Human Rights Commission Meera C Saksena IAS by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering Meera Saksena said, “In the name of Human rights some think of making money which brings a bad name not only to them but also to other human rights activists. When we are involved in such activities we should not think of money, our thoughts should be to become the voice of the voiceless. In Bengaluru, Human rights activists get very good information about human rights violations but in Mangaluru we need to bring awareness. Nowadays it is not difficult to inform about human rights violations to the human rights office. People have to just dial the number and lodge a complaint against any atrocities. Some think that if they file a complaint and the case is a false case, the caller will be punished, but in reality, if we get any complaint we will investigate it. If the complaint is false, the case will be closed there itself and if we find anyone guilty we will take action. People should not be afraid to come forward to file complaints if they face any problems. They can file their complaints by calling 1800 4252 3333“.
Meera Saksena further said, “Our fundamental rights are also called Human rights. Every person is entitled to certain fundamental rights. Every person has the right to lead a respectful life, compulsory education, Food security, proper drinking water, shelter, good air, and so on. Human rights are there for your protection against those who harm you or violate your rights. When a person is not aware of the Human rights, he/she will face discrimination, injustice, and abuses. All are equal before the law. In the police atrocity cases, we have an investigation wing which is headed by a police officer. Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of gender, nationality, place of residence, sex, ethnicity, religion and color. Thus, human rights are non-discriminatory. Many governments and individuals ignore human rights and grossly exploit other human beings. In some cases, innocent people are afraid to go to the police stations because of the fear of the police. But rowdies and culprits are always happy to go to the police station without any fear because they know the police very well. So the police should be people friendly and protect the rights of every individual.”
DCP Law and Order also spoke on the occasion. Srinivas Gowda delivered the presidential address. The specially abled persons who have excelled in their fields were felicitated on the occasion.