CHANDIGARH - December 10, 2012: Centre for Human Rights and Duties, Panjab University
commemorated International Human Rights Day at P.U Campus here today. Dr Swarnjit Kaur,
Coordinator, Centre for Human Rights and Duties introduced the United Nations Theme of
Human Rights Day “My Voice Counts” to the audience and also communicated the
Vice-Chancellor Professor Arun K. Grover’s message for the day.
Dr. A.S. Narang, Professor of Political Science, and Coordinator Human Rights Wing of
IGNOU was invited to deliver a special lecture on “Human Rights: Emerging Challenges in
the age of Globalization”.  While speaking on the subject, he offered a critique of the
neo-liberal notion of civil and political liberties emphasizing that the civil liberties
in the absence of equal economic opportunities are futile. In this regard he stressed
upon interrelating the two by adopting an ideological perspective which challenges the
neo-liberal world view of civil and political liberties. In the neo liberal regime, the
market economy is playing an overriding role, which has reduced the powers of the state;
however, at the same time, state is becoming more coercive to curtail violations caused
by market intervention. He elaborated on the significant role of civil society
organizations and pressure groups in engineering movements for bringing about social
justice.
Mr. Md. Amiunal Islam Khan, the officiating Director, Commonwealth Youth Programme Asia
Centre, Chandigarh, while referring to the origin and contributions made by Commonwealth
stated that democracy and development are the two pillars of Commonwealth programmes. He
emphasized the need for dialogue and cooperation to ensure human rights for all.
Professor Nishtha Jaswal, Chairperson, Department of Laws in her presidential remarks
emphasized the need to reformulate the theme by replacing “My” with “Each Voice Counts”
and also focused on the domestic implementation of human rights through constitutional
safeguards and effective judicial intervention and interpretations. The role of the apex
court in public interest litigation, public accountability in personal liability was
also highlighted.  Professor B.S Ghuman, Dean Faculty of Arts applauded the role of
Centre in continuing the tradition of celebrating Human Rights Day every year. He
further suggested that the events related to the theme must be organized through out the
year. It was followed by a short film on ‘Human Rights Awareness’ Directed by Prabhdeep
Singh along with the Students of MA Ist year.
The next session of the celebrations was conducted at Student Centre where the products
of SOREM, an NGO working for children with cerebral palsy and autism were put for
exhibition and sale by the research scholars of the Centre. Shivani and other students
of MA II year conducted a quiz cum awareness programme at the Student Centre in which
students from different departments of the University participated enthusiastically. Dr.
Namita Gupta proposed a vote of thanks while Ms. Upneet Kaur Mangat conducted the
proceedings of the session.
Press Note No.589
                                                                                     
                           MMK/PS