To mark the Global Day of Citizen Action on Saturday, the Youth for Social Development (YSD) in association with CIVICUS, a world alliance for citizen participation, and other civil society groups organised a workshop and a peaceful demonstration for protection of citizen’s rights and creation of civic space at the Ganjam Kala Parishad here.
More than 10 civil society organisations, five activists and over a hundred of citizens including women and youth gathered at the place to raise their voice for creation of civic space, the freedom to speak out.
The participants opined that civic space exists when individuals and organisations have the freedom to speak out, organise and take action. However, it is now under threat in many parts of the country. Civil societies also face threats from non-state actors, including powerful corporate entities, extremist right- wing and fundamentalist groups.
The workshop aimed at getting people thinking about ‘civic space’, understanding their rights, increasing awareness about the importance of civic space and the need to monitor and protect it, said RTI activist Pradip Pradhan.
Prof Jantrana Parikhita, advocate Chandranath Dani, lokanath Mishra and social activist Mangaraj Panda spoke on the occasion.