Patna, Feb. 3: People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) today paid homage to human rights activists at a ceremony held in Patna University.

The lives of Surendra Mohan, Yashpal Chibbar and K.G. Kannaviran were discussed and their contribution to the evolution of human rights was summarised in a discussion.

Daisy Narain, the vice-president of Bihar PUCL, said: “Human rights was somewhat given the definition of philosophical in the past, but with the changing wave, it has surpassed all such conceptions. The subsequent result has come in the form of youths taking keen interest in human rights. The new generation is certainly well aware of its human rights but the youngsters must also know the legends who put the foundation stone of human rights. Then they can understand the facts well and can take their inspiration from them as well.”

Among the dignitaries were present PUCL national president Prabhakar Sinha, former PUCL president Vinay Kumar Kanth, Bihar PUCL vice-president Daisy Narain and it was presided by Father P. Manthara. Enthusiast students of the history department of Patna University also joined the occasion.

Narain also underlined the contributions of Justice V.M. Tarkand by whom the human rights came into being. “Human rights is going to be one of the most important issues,” Narain said. She also said that PUCL was considering to arrange such discussions over the human rights activists, stating that indeed without learning history, progressing would be difficult.

“Discussions for human rights even at a small level can make the difference, only the need is to be taken on a serious note,” said former PUCL president Vinay Kumar Kanth. He discussed the styles of previous human right activists in tackling issues and how their thoughts should be translated today in every person because with every passing day, new challenges would emerge in front of the activists. “They may have to face hostile conditions and if they are known with the thought procedure of the legends, they will be practically ready to face even if stern challenges come before them,” said Kanth. He also mentioned that the JP Movement in itself proved to be a turning point for human rights. Not only it produced another kind of political dynasty, rather the examples set were very relevant in the terms of bringing democratic consciousness. So it was far beyond politics,” said Kanth.

He also talked about human rights activist, Yashpal Chibbar, who emphasised organisational stability, and referred the bulletin started by PUCL also had a great impact in the history. Food security and such kind of issues are being raised. So the activists have to broaden their prospects to meet the coming challenges.

“The common man was unhappy with the ruling government and when PUCL came, it gave them the ray of hope,” said Sinha.