The Centre For Human Rights And Subaltern Studies of National University Of Study And Research In Law, Ranchi along with UGC Women’s Studies Centre Patna University and Jharkhand High Court Legal Services Committee, initiated a 3-day National Seminar on “Religious Rights of Women and Human Rights in 21st Century” on December 10.
On the third and final day of the seminar Chief Guest Judge Supreme Court of India Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice Jharkhand High Court cum Chancellor NUSRL Justice Dr Rajeev Ranjan, Professor of Political Science Delhi University Dr. Rakesh Sinha, Chairman Bar Council of India Manan Kumar Mishra, Head UGC Women’s Studies Centre, Patna University Dr. Sunita Roy, VC, graced the dais. This was followed by the Skit presented by the students of NUSRL on the discriminatory practices against women prevalent in Hinduism, Islam, and Zoroastrianism.
Dr. Rakesh Sinha’s started his address with importance of Indian languages and why we need to embrace them. He emphasised how language carries traditions along with it. He also, shared anecdote concerning cooperation, morality etc. Court, college and council need to give importance to the Indian languages. He further stated the fundamental difference between religion and spiritualism. Religion is structured whereas spiritualism is self-evolving and inclusive. India is the only country to have spiritual democracy. Manan Kumar Mishra stressed on the achievement of Inauguration of the Legal Aid Centre and mentioned about its workings and functions. He talked how according to our Indian tradition; women come first. He also proclaimed the allotment of 10 lacs fund for the development of library at NUSRL. Hon’ble Chief Justice Ravi Ranjan thanked Justice Surya Kant for gracing the inauguration of the Legal Aid Centre. He talked how we have had male dominance but things are changing now due to education and other factors. He also mentioned, the evils prevalent in the society like female foeticide, dowry practice etc. since these were the topics of the seminar.
He mentioned the high-quality papers presented during the seminar. He further acknowledged all the speakers and guests who graced the occasion with their warm presence. He went on to quote various poets, especially Ramdhari Singh Dinkar and his work Urvashi.
Keynote Speaker Hon’ble Justice Surya Kant mentioned that currently 7 languges are used is the SC for pronouncing the judgments and stressed on the need to use the language that the litigants use, He appreciated and congratulated students who presented skit. He further admired the topic of the seminar.He explained how the courts are always open to hear diverse views and then take the final judgment. He talked about the plight of the invisible victims and mentioned how the constitution guarantees and protects the religious rights of women and all individual.
We have a deeply religious and spiritual society; thus, we need to make efforts that such practices and law that discriminate against women and their religious rights are abolished and synergy is maintained in society. He concluded that along with a strong statute, we need collective efforts from the society to alleviate the position of women.
Dr. Sunita Roy, then, presented report of entire three-day seminar, along with release of books, and concluded with vote of thanks. This was followed by vote of thanks by VC. The event concluded with National Anthem.