New Delhi: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, graced and addressed the Human Rights Day celebration organized by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in the capital today. In her keynote address, the President underscored India’s enduring commitment to human rights and highlighted the nation’s proactive measures to ensure justice, equality, and dignity for all.
Reflecting on India’s civilizational legacy of empathy and interconnectedness, the President lauded the efforts of institutions like the NHRC, State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs), and civil society organizations in safeguarding human rights. She acknowledged the NHRC’s critical role in addressing violations, raising awareness, and influencing policies to protect marginalized communities.
President Murmu emphasized India’s steadfast guarantee of civic and political rights, complemented by the government’s socio-economic initiatives. “Providing housing, clean drinking water, sanitation, electricity, and healthcare are not just services but rights we strive to ensure for every citizen,” she stated, highlighting the significance of these measures in fostering inclusive development.
The President also addressed the evolving challenges in the human rights discourse. She noted that while the digital era has been transformative, it has introduced new threats such as cyberbullying, privacy violations, and the proliferation of misinformation. She stressed the importance of building a secure and equitable digital environment to safeguard individual dignity.
On artificial intelligence (AI), President Murmu acknowledged its dual role in solving problems and creating new ethical dilemmas. “Unlike humans, AI agents lack emotions like compassion and guilt, presenting unique challenges in the human rights domain,” she observed.
She also drew attention to climate change as a pressing global concern, highlighting its impact on human rights across regions and generations. The President praised India’s leadership in climate action, including initiatives like the 2022 Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, the Green Credit Initiative, and the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) Movement, as testaments to the nation’s commitment to a sustainable future.
Addressing mental health as a growing concern, particularly for children and youth, the President urged stakeholders to implement measures to reduce stress and improve well-being. She called on business leaders to ensure that the expanding gig economy does not negatively affect the mental health of workers.
“We must eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness, raise awareness, and provide necessary support to those in need,” President Murmu asserted, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing mental health in all sectors.
On the occasion of Human Rights Day, President Murmu called for a collective recommitment to the principles of justice, equality, and dignity. “Through sustained effort and solidarity, we can build a future where every person, regardless of their circumstances, is empowered to lead a life of dignity, opportunity, and fulfillment,” she said.