The Citizens’ Human Rights Clinic (CHRC), Odisha, in collaboration with Sabitri Devi Charitable Trust, Bhubaneswar; Jehovah Group of Companies, Sahid Nagar, Bhubaneswar; Indo TV, Cuttack; and Purbasha Tarini Maa Socio-Economic Developmental Society, observed World Human Rights Day 2025 on 10 December at the Conference Hall of the Indian Red Cross Society, Bhubaneswar. The programme was organised in a simple yet dignified manner under the chairmanship of Dr. Gopabandhu Mallick, former Additional D.G. of Police and Chairman, CHRC.
Dr. Mallick was joined on the dais by Mr. Nrusingha Nath Nanda, National Convenor, CHRC; Mr. Basanta Kumar Dash, Vice President, CHRC; eminent novelist Prof. Rashmi Roul; Ms. Banashree Mohapatra, Secretary, Women’s Wing, CHRC; and Advocate Pratap Keshari Das.
The event was graced by distinguished guests including Dr. Rabinarayan Senapati, IAS (Retd.), former Development Commissioner, Government of Odisha, eminent writer and speaker; Shri Goutama Buddha Das, Hon’ble MLA, Bhograi; Dr. Pabitramohan Samantaray, Editor-in-Chief, Kalinga Chronicles – Paryabekhyak; and Prof. Niranjan Barik, former Professor of Political Science, Ravenshaw University, who attended as Chief Guest, Special Guest, Chief Speaker and Eminent Guest respectively.
Among other notable speakers who addressed key human rights issues were Pundit Golekh Bihari Mohapatra of Maharshi Veda Vigyan Mahavidyalaya, Noida; naturopathy expert Ms. Sulagna Sucharita; Mr. Sushanta Rout of Hindu Sena; Adv. Pratap Keshari Das; Mr. Biswakeshan Behera; Kabi Sukumar Das; Mr. Swarup Kumar Basa; Rotarian Badal Kishore Mohapatra; Mr. Bijay Kumar Nayak; Mr. Aswini Kumar Das; and Mr. Jagabandhu Mallick.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Rabinarayan Senapati emphasized that governments in democratic nations are duty-bound to protect human rights. While reasonable restrictions are sometimes necessary to balance individual liberty with community welfare, he cautioned that misuse of power by officials—whether deliberate or inadvertent—often results in rights violations. He urged the youth to remain moral, responsible and inquisitive in an era of social-media misinformation. He advised citizens to seek redressal from the National or State Human Rights Commissions whenever violations occur. Dr. Senapati also appreciated the significant role played by CHRC in advancing human rights awareness.
Addressing the global context, Shri Goutama Buddha Das, Hon’ble MLA, Bhograi, observed that despite certain advancements, human rights across the world continue to suffer due to rising authoritarianism, populism and conflicts. He highlighted critical concerns such as gender-based discrimination, severe restrictions on women, war crimes, transnational repression and the suppression of activists. He stressed that actions of the police and executive authorities should never push innocent individuals toward criminal or extremist paths. Reaffirming the constitutional mandate of governments to safeguard human rights, he called for unity among human rights defenders during these challenging times.
Delivering his address as Chief Speaker, Dr. Pabitramohan Samantaray expressed deep concern over the growing vulnerability of journalists and media professionals worldwide, noting that increasing attacks and pressures on the press threaten the very foundation of democracy. He underscored the need for fearless expression and the moral duty to speak out against injustice wherever it occurs.
Prof. Niranjan Barik and novelist Prof. Rashmi Roul highlighted the continued efforts of CHRC in serving as a national voice for equality and in raising public awareness on diverse human rights issues.
On the occasion, fifty eminent human rights defenders were honoured and felicitated by the dignitaries.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Nrusingha Nath Nanda, National Convenor, CHRC, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to all guests, speakers and participants for their support in making the event a memorable success.
About the Author
