Face2News/Chandigarh 

The Centre for Human Rights & Duties, Panjab University, Chandigarh, marked Human Rights Day 2025 with a Human Rights Carnival-cum-Awareness Generation Camp at the Student Centre today. The theme for this year’s observance was “Our Everyday Essentials”. 

Ms. Shipra Bansal, Chairperson, Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CCPCR), was the Chief Guest. In her keynote address, she commended the Centre for organising a multidimensional programme that highlighted issues of mental health, spiritual well-being, substance abuse prevention, legal aid, disability support, gender empowerment, nutrition and humane education. She appreciated the initiative for combining institutional expertise with community engagement to reflect lived experiences of human rights. 

Dr. Upneet Kaur Mangat, Chairperson of the Centre, underlined the significance of embedding human rights in everyday acts of dignity, inclusion and compassion. She shared that the event witnessed active participation from several organisations, each contributing uniquely to the thematic focus. 

Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC), District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and the Centre’s Legal Aid Clinic highlighted legal literacy and access to justice were highlighted. 

Brahma Kumaris highlighted spiritual well-being, Pushpanjali Trust addressed mental health concerns. Mehar Foundation focused on substance abuse prevention and rehabilitation, and Kalyani Nutrition Coach focused on nutrition and healthy living. 

Boota Book Center encouraged reading culture, and Peedus People raised awareness on humane education and animal welfare. Bibi Rajni Sewa Society advocated disability inclusion, while Prasenchetas Foundation focused on empowerment of girls, children and women. 

The Department of Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, Chandigarh Administration women and child protection efforts and the Chandigarh Child Rights Commission amplified child rights concerns. The Anti-Discrimination Cell for Transgender Students ensured inclusion and visibility of the transgender community. A cultural segment by young musician Saachiv infused artistic expression into human rights messaging. 

Prof. Namita Gupta, Dean Student Welfare (Women), urged students to champion empathy and civic responsibility in daily life.

 Sh. Arun Kumar Aggarwal, Member Secretary, State Legal Services Authority (SLSA), also visited the camp and appreciated its outreach and collaborative vision. 

The event was attended by senior academics and dignitaries including Prof Emeritus Dr. Pam Rajput, Prof. Swarnjit Kaur, Prof. Manvinder Kaur, Prof. Anju Suri, Prof. Jayanti Dutta, Prof. Surinder Shukla, Dr. Ameer Sultana, Dr. Kamla, Dr. P.S. Kang and Dr. Anu H. Gupta.  .