World Human Rights Day Observed by CHRC, Odisha; 50 Defenders Felicitated
Balasore, Dec 10:(Krushna Kumar Mohanty) The Citizens Human Rights Clinic (CHRC), Odisha, in association with Sabitri Devi Charitable Trust, Jehoovah Group of Companies, Indo TV, and Purbasha Tarini Maa Socio-Economic Developmental Society, marked World Human Rights Day 2025 at the Indian Red Cross Society Conference Hall at Bhubaneswar.
The event was presided over by Dr. Gopabandhu Mallick, former Additional DGP and CHRC Chairman, who called for collective responsibility in safeguarding human dignity and justice. Core CHRC members—Nrusingha Nath Nanda, Basanta Kumar Dash, Prof. Rashmi Roul, Banashree Mohapatra, and Adv. Pratap Keshari Das—coordinated the programme.
Dignitaries present included Chief Guest Dr. Rabinarayan Senapati, IAS (Retd), Special Guest and Bhograi MLA Goutama Buddha Das, Chief Speaker Dr. Pabitra Mohan Samantaray, and Eminent Guest Prof. Niranjan Barik, who addressed national and global human rights concerns.
Dr. Senapati noted that despite constitutional safeguards, violations often arise from misuse of authority, urging victims to approach NHRC and SHRC. Dr. Samantaray raised concern over rising attacks on journalists, calling them a direct threat to democracy. Prof. Barik and Prof. Roul praised CHRC’s sustained advocacy for equality and transparency.
Speakers including Pandit Gokul Bihari Mohapatra, Sulagna Sucharita, Sushanta Rout, Biswakeshan Behera, Kabi Sukumar Das and others highlighted cultural rights, social justice, and the need for public participation in defending democratic values.
CHRC honoured 50 Human Rights Defenders for their contributions to justice and empowerment of vulnerable communities.
National Convenor Nrusingha Nath Nanda delivered the vote of thanks and reaffirmed CHRC’s commitment to strengthening human rights education and advocacy across Odisha.
