Justice Arindam Lodh, Chairman of Tripura Human Rights Commission, emphasized the importance of public participation in upholding justice at a Boxanagar event. Citizens, officials, and students gathered to discuss the role of the Commission in safeguarding human rights and ensuring rule of law across Tripura.
A thought-provoking community event titled “Protection of Human Rights: Responsibilities and Duties of Society and the State” was held on Saturday at the Manikya Nagar Panchayat Community Hall, under the Boxanagar block of Sepahijala District. Organized by the social group Tripura Dussahasi Samajik Abhijan, based in Chandigarh, Melaghar, and backed by the Tripura Human Rights Commission, the program aimed to strengthen awareness about human rights and the importance of citizen participation in upholding democratic values.
The event was inaugurated by Justice Arindam Lodh, former judge of the Tripura High Court and currently the Chairman of the Tripura Human Rights Commission. In his keynote address, Justice Lodh emphasized the critical role the Commission plays in promoting justice, human dignity, and the rule of law in every corner of the state.
“The Human Rights Commission is a tool that brings governance closer to the people,” Justice Lodh said. “It ensures that the poorest of the poor can raise their voice when their rights are violated, and acts as a guardian of justice in our democracy.”
He encouraged the audience, especially the youth and public officials, to utilize the mechanisms of the Commission not only for redressal of grievances but also to build a society rooted in justice, equity, and accountability.
Diverse Participation Reflects Community Engagement
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from local citizens of Bheluarchar, Dayal Para, and Manikya Nagar, signaling the community’s growing awareness of rights and duties. A wide range of stakeholders joined the conversation, including:
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NSS volunteers from Boxanagar and Bheluarchar Higher Secondary Schools
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Students of Manikya Nagar High School
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Police personnel from Bishalgarh and Kalamchoura Police Stations
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ASHA and Anganwadi workers
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Government officials from departments such as PWD, Information and Culture, Forest, and Cooperation
This diverse representation showcased a collective effort to understand and promote the foundational values of human rights, equality, and fair governance.
Human Rights Commission’s Role Explained
Several speakers, including human rights activists and legal experts, elaborated on how the Tripura Human Rights Commission serves as a crucial link between the people and the legal system. They stressed that the Commission:
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Investigates complaints of human rights violations
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Promotes awareness through outreach and community programs
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Works with the police and administration to ensure lawful and humane treatment
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Acts as an institutional check when the rule of law is under threat
The panel also underlined the responsibilities of both the state and civil society in safeguarding the rights guaranteed under the Indian Constitution. One speaker noted that human rights are not just legal guarantees but also moral imperatives, requiring the collective action of every citizen.
Importance of Collective Responsibility
In a separate session, speakers emphasized that protecting human rights is not solely the duty of the state, but a shared responsibility of every citizen. The role of community participation, vigilance, and education was repeatedly emphasized.
“A right unclaimed is a right denied,” said one panelist. “It is up to each of us to ensure that rights are not just written in law books but practiced in real life.”
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As the event concluded, attendees were encouraged to spread the message in their respective villages, schools, and workplaces, and to see themselves as guardians of rights and justice in their daily lives.
