Tripura marked International Human Rights Day with powerful appeals for value-based citizenship as Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha and THRC Chairperson Justice Arindam Lodh urged responsible democratic participation, inclusive development, and everyday protection of constitutional rights for all.
Agartala observed International Human Rights Day with a strong call for value-based citizenship and inclusive development, as Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha and Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) Chairperson Justice Arindam Lodh addressed the state-level event at Pragna Bhavan. The programme, organized by the THRC, focused on this year’s theme: “Human Rights Are Part of Our Everyday Life.”
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, inaugurating the event, said human rights must be understood not as symbolic commemorations but as daily responsibilities rooted in values, behavior, and conscience. “Life itself is our mirror. Through experiences we learn what is right and what is wrong. Protecting human rights requires awakening values in our thoughts, behavior, and consciousness,” he said.
He emphasized that the Constitution of India already guarantees all essential rights but stressed that public awareness of these protections is vital. Democracy, he said, rests on the strength of its four pillars—legislature, executive, judiciary, and media—and these must be empowered to safeguard rights effectively.
Dr Saha cautioned against the misuse of human rights as a tool for disruptive activities or unethical behavior. According to him, rights must not be weaponized to justify unlawful actions but used constructively to resolve issues involving women, children, domestic disputes, and community harmony. “Misusing human rights causes more harm than good. Rights must guide society toward justice, not conflict,” he said.
Linking rights protection to governance, the Chief Minister highlighted several national schemes launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including Ujjwala Yojana, PM Awas Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat, which focus on ensuring dignity, welfare, and protection for vulnerable sections. These programmes, he said, reflect India’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of women, children, farmers, and unemployed youth.
He added that the Tripura government takes swift action whenever human rights violations are reported, recognizing the close connection between rights protection and law-and-order stability.
Northeast Development and Act East Policy
Placing the discussion in a regional context, Dr Saha recalled how the Northeast was historically neglected in development. The Act East Policy, he said, changed this trajectory by promoting peace, harmony, connectivity, and welfare-driven governance. Tripura, he added, is progressing rapidly through multiple state and Central programmes. On the occasion, he also released the latest newsletter of the Tripura Human Rights Commission.
Justice Arindam Lodh Calls for Rethinking Reservation to Ensure True Equality
Speaking at the event, THRC Chairman Justice Arindam Lodh delivered a powerful reminder of India’s constitutional legacy and the evolution of human rights. He described the Constitution, framed under Dr B R Ambedkar’s leadership, as one of the finest in the world for safeguarding dignity, liberty, and equality.
“Today marks not just Human Rights Day but the memory of 1948, when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It was humanity’s pledge to uphold dignity, equality, and justice for all,” he said.
Justice Lodh also highlighted how Indian literary and cultural heritage had long embraced the spirit of rights. Citing Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s Vande Mataram, he said the national song echoed the essence of liberty even before the world formally recognized human rights. He noted that the British feared its power and banned it, yet it continued to inspire generations of freedom fighters.
The THRC Chairperson reflected on constitutional guarantees such as the Right to Equality, questioning whether society is truly fulfilling this promise. He noted that even after 75 years of Independence, significant inequality persists within Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes. “Many have progressed, yet countless remain deprived. It is time to rethink who benefits from reservation. The poorest among us—who have never seen even a page of a book—must not be left behind,” he said.
Justice Lodh emphasized that inclusive development forms the bedrock of human rights, urging society to uplift those still marginalized. He also expressed concerns about modern-day threats to the Right to Privacy, calling for stronger regulations to protect citizens against misuse of personal information.
Discussing the evolving nature of rights, he noted how the Supreme Court’s recognition of the right to euthanasia under Article 21 shows that human rights must evolve with society’s conscience.
Officials Stress Responsibility, Non-Violence, and Constitutional Discipline
Law Secretary Shankari Das reiterated that human rights are not abstract ideals but legal commitments protected by international conventions and national laws such as the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
Director General of Police Anurag highlighted the shift from punitive methods to rights-based policing. “Observing Human Rights Day is not a ritual—it is a reminder of our collective responsibility. Violence cannot be the guardian of justice,” he stressed.
Referring to Ramayana and Mahabharata, he noted that the principles of Dharma, justice, and righteousness echo modern human rights values—treating others with dignity and fairness.
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Chairperson of Tripura Women’s Commission Jharna Debbarma and THRC Secretary Dhanababu Reang were also present at the event.
