On December 10, 2024, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, graced the Human Rights Day celebrations hosted by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in New Delhi.
The occasion marked a moment to reflect on India’s continued commitment to the values of justice, equality, and dignity, which define the nation’s ethos.
In her address, President Murmu highlighted India's civilisational heritage, which spans over 5,000 years. She emphasized that the nation has always embraced values such as empathy, compassion, and the interconnectedness of individuals within a harmonious community.
These core principles have shaped India’s institutions, including the NHRC and State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs), which, alongside civil society and human rights defenders, work diligently to protect the rights of all citizens.
The President also underscored India’s dedication to safeguarding civic and political rights for every citizen. She noted that the government is equally committed to ensuring socio-economic and cultural rights, encompassing essential services such as housing, clean drinking water, improved sanitation, electricity, cooking gas, healthcare, and education.
For India, the provision of basic necessities is not just a policy goal, but a fundamental right for its people.
However, President Murmu acknowledged that emerging challenges in the modern world require new approaches to human rights protection.
The rise of cybercrimes and the global threat of climate change are pressing concerns that threaten individual rights. The digital era, while transforming society, has brought with it complex issues such as cyberbullying, privacy violations, misinformation, and the spread of harmful technologies like deepfake videos.
These challenges highlight the urgent need to foster a safe and equitable digital environment that protects every individual's rights and dignity.
Additionally, the President discussed the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in daily life, which has both solved numerous problems and created new ones.
She pointed out that traditional human rights frameworks have often assumed human violators, who may be guided by emotions like guilt and compassion.
However, with AI, violations may no longer be caused by humans but by intelligent non-human agents, presenting a new dimension of challenges for human rights advocacy.
Climate change, another major challenge, also demands a rethinking of global human rights. President Murmu pointed out that those causing environmental degradation may not be directly impacting those who suffer from its consequences.
In this context, India has emerged as a strong advocate for climate action. The nation has taken leadership on the global stage, particularly as the voice of the Global South, pushing for robust measures to combat climate change.
Initiatives like the 2022 Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, the Green Credit Initiative, and the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) Movement are clear demonstrations of India’s commitment to building a sustainable future.
Mental health was another critical issue raised by the President, particularly the mental well-being of children and youth. She called for comprehensive measures to support the mental health of young people, urging stakeholders across sectors to address the stress affecting them.
Furthermore, she appealed to business leaders to ensure that the growing gig economy does not negatively impact the mental health of workers in this sector. As new economic models evolve, it is essential that the mental well-being of all individuals, especially those in vulnerable sectors, is prioritised.
In her speech, the President also stressed the importance of removing the stigma around mental health and called for more awareness and support for those struggling with mental illnesses.
As a nation, she urged, we must work together to create a society where mental health is treated with the same seriousness and compassion as physical health.
On this Human Rights Day, President Murmu urged everyone to renew their collective commitment to the values of justice, equality, and dignity. As the world faces numerous challenges, it is essential that we continue to uphold the fundamental rights of every individual.
The President concluded by emphasising that through sustained effort and solidarity, India can create a future in which every person, regardless of background or circumstance, is empowered to lead a life of dignity, opportunity, and fulfilment.
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