Human Rights as ‘our everyday essentials’ must for all citizens, echoes Marcuise
Tura, Dec 10: Meghalaya Minister Marcuise N Marak has called upon all to ensure peoples’ human rights are protected and ensured as ‘society’s everyday essentials’ for a stronger and vibrant democracy.
In a powerful affirmation of dignity, equality, and justice, the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) today organized the first-ever state-level observance of International Human Rights Day at Tura district auditorium. Shifting the spotlight from its traditional Shillong base to the Garo Hills, the event embodied the theme “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials” – a clarion call that highlights these universal safeguards as the very fabric of daily life, essential for every citizen’s well-being.
The programme, attended by dignitaries, officials, students, and community leaders, highlighted the importance of ensuring human rights remain the bedrock of a just society, protecting the vulnerable, empowering the marginalized, and holding power to account. As the world marks the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) – adopted on this day in 1948 with India’s pivotal contributions – Meghalaya also renewed its pledge to weave these principles into the state’s social, economic, and environmental tapestry.
Chief Guest Marcuise N. Marak, Minister for Public Health Engineering, Housing, and Soil & Water Conservation, delivered a stirring address that brought human rights down to earth. “Rights aren’t confined to courtrooms or constitutions,” he declared. “They live in the courtesy of a public servant, the respect a police officer shows a citizen, and the dignity we extend to every neighbour.”
The minister reminded the gathering of the power of non-violence struggle to achieve one’s rights and called upon all to be fearless in their stand for justice. Drawing inspiration from Nelson Mandela’s unyielding fight against apartheid, Marak urged the youthful audience – including students from local institutions – to summon “moral courage” to defend what’s right, no matter the odds.
He reminded all that human rights also included giving people a decent life and upliftment of their livelihood. He highlighted government strides in upholding these essentials: the CM Elevate scheme and Focus/Focus Plus programs for economic upliftment, the Meghalaya Climate Council safeguarding the right to a clean environment, and robust investments in education like digital learning tools and MTAB distributions. “Let this not be a one-day affair,” Marak implored. “Make human rights programs a staple in every district, so awareness ripples from Tura to the remotest villages.”
Echoing this commitment, H. Nongpluh, IPS (Retd.) and MHRC Member, traced the global and local journey of human rights. He recounted how the UDHR, forged in the ashes of World War II, became humanity’s moral compass – a document India helped shape through leaders like Hansa Mehta. Since its inception in 2016, the MHRC has been Meghalaya’s vigilant guardian, probing violations, advising departments, and ensuring swift government action on its recommendations. “In a diverse state like ours,” Nongpluh emphasized, “upholding rights means bridging divides, amplifying voices, and preventing the erosion of freedoms that tyranny or neglect can bring.”
The event’s resonance was further amplified by the presence of several esteemed guests, including Dr. Vasanthi Vijayakumar, Vice Chancellor of Captain Williamson Sangma State University, as Guest of Honour; L. Ch. Marak, MCS, MHRC Secretary; and Baffindalyne Giri, retired District and Sessions Judge and MHRC Member. Their presence symbolized a united front: academia, judiciary, and administration converging to champion rights as non-negotiable imperatives.
Adding soul to the solemnity were vibrant cultural performances from the Female Health Workers Training School in Rongkhon and Captain Williamson Sangma State University. Traditional dances and songs wove tales of resilience and unity, reminding all that human rights thrive in cultures that celebrate shared humanity.
