Bhubaneswar( KCN):
: Prof. Dushmanta Giri, former Professor of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), eminent writer and Chairman of the Schumacher Society, a leading Delhi-based international NGO, along with Ms. Susan, Director of the organisation, interacted with the Executive Board of the Citizens’ Human Rights Clinic (CHRC), Odisha, in Bhubaneswar.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Giri observed that despite the presence of premier educational institutions in major Indian cities, the urban poor, slum dwellers, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and other socio-economically disadvantaged groups continue to face significant structural barriers to accessing quality education. He emphasised that such inequality constitutes a serious human rights concern.
He explained that his organisation seeks to empower students from the most disadvantaged sections of society by providing them with quality education and expanding their opportunities. He expressed his willingness to explore a partnership with CHRC to undertake similar initiatives in Odisha. Underscoring the importance of foundational learning, he stressed that a strong educational base is essential to enable students to progress confidently in their studies and future careers.
Responding to his proposal, Dr. Gopabandhu Mallick, IPS (Retd.), Chairman of CHRC, stated that the organisation is committed to the promotion and protection of human rights, the preservation of ecology and the environment, and the empowerment of the poor and marginalised. He assured Prof. Giri of CHRC’s support in pursuing such initiatives in Odisha.
Prof. Niranjan Barik, Advisor to CHRC, highlighted the Clinic’s achievements in addressing socio-economic and environmental challenges and providing legal support to victims of human rights violations. During an engaging interaction with the visiting representatives of the Schumacher Society, Dr. Manoranjan Dash raised fundamental questions concerning governance and its implications for human rights.
Others who spoke on the occasion included Prof. J. K. Mohanta, Nrusingha Nath Nanda and Dr. Sarat Chandra Behera, who highlighted various human rights issues and challenges. Prof. J. K. Mohanta proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the guests and participants for their valuable contributions to the successful and meaningful interaction.
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