Human rights foundation of just, equitable, compassionate society: President Droupadi Murmu
New Delhi, Dec 10: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday addressed the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)’s Human Rights Day celebration, stressing that universal human rights form the foundation of a just, equitable, and compassionate society.
She said the day serves as a reminder of the “simple yet revolutionary truth” affirmed 77 years ago, that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
India, she noted, played a vital role in shaping that global framework, rooted in the values upheld by the country’s freedom fighters.
The President highlighted that human rights must reach “the last mile,” aligning with the spirit of Antyodaya, and urged citizens to actively participate in building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
She said human rights are embedded in the Constitution and embody the right to live without fear, learn without barriers, work without exploitation and age with dignity.
India, she added, has consistently affirmed that peace and justice are inseparable.
President Murmu praised the NHRC, state commissions, judiciary, and civil society for acting as “alert sentinels” of constitutional ideals.
She noted the NHRC’s recent interventions on issues affecting Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, children, and prison inmates.
She welcomed the Commission’s conference on women’s safety, describing women’s welfare as a central pillar of human rights.
Highlighting government initiatives, the President said India has shifted from “entitlement to empowerment” over the past decade, expanding access to essential services such as clean water, electricity, healthcare, banking and sanitation, thereby enhancing dignity for all households.
She also cited the notification of four Labour Codes on wages, industrial relations, social security, and workplace safety as a major reform to build a future-ready workforce.
Calling human rights protection a “shared duty,” President Murmu said it is not the sole responsibility of governments or institutions.
“Protecting the rights and dignity of our fellow citizens,” she emphasised, “rests with all of us as part of a compassionate and responsible society.”
