Celebrating Human Rights Daily: Bangalore Colleges and NGOs Wrap Up Vibrant 10-Day Human Rights Celebration
In a powerful display of youth activism and civic engagement, about forty colleges institutes and NGOs of Bangalore city jointly, successfully concluded the “Human Rights Celebration 2025”, a 10-day festival aligning with the United Nations’ Human Rights Day theme “Our Everyday Essentials”, emphasizing dignity, equality, justice, and freedom as integral to daily life.
The celebration was launched on December 1, at Indian Social Institute (ISI-B), bringing together more than 300 students, faculties, activists and partners. The inaugural ceremony featured cultural performances, a symbolic sapling-watering ritual, and addresses by distinguished guests. Hon’ble Justice Dr. Ashok B. Hinchigeri, Chairperson of the Karnataka State Law Commission and former High Court Judge, inaugurated the event, urging students to be “everyday defenders of dignity.” Keynote speaker Dr. V.S. Elizabeth, Professor of History, National Law School of India University, traced historical struggles for dignity that featured the biblical context of human dignity and fair treatment of individuals, while Rev Dr. Selvaraj Arulnathan, S.J., Director of ISI, presided and highlighted the sacredness of human dignity.
The festival unfolded with diverse activities and campaigns across the city like – demonstrations, exhibitions, cultural activities, discussions, debates and seminars etc. in various locations organized and conducted by various institutes and NGOs. On Dec. 3, the third day of the celebration, ISI and Fourth Wave Foundation coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, conducted a half day program for schoolchildren at ISI premise. More than 50 students from eight neighbouring schools participated in drawing, painting, mono-acting, mime, and a collaborative canvas on themes like inclusion and breaking stereotypes. Rev Dr. Selvaraj Arulnathan, S.J. (Director, ISI) and Ms. Renjana from Fourth Wave Foundation welcomed and inspired the young audience to champion dignity for persons with disabilities.
Again on Dec. 4, the 4th day focused on trans gender’s rights under the sub-theme “Constitution in Defense of the Vulnerable: Embracing the Gaps, Empowering Every Identity.” ISI and Payana jointly conducted the program at Loyola Degree and PU College Bannerghatta to engage over 700 students. The program featured the screening of Talki, a Payana-produced documentary film, celebrating transgender strength and cultural heritage. Ms. Chandravati introduced ‘Talki’ as a traditional dish symbolizing nourishment and survival within the community. Personal and heart-touching stories of identity struggles, battles and triumphs, shared by trans man Christy Raj and trans women Sai Priya and Keerthna captivated the attention of all. Students engaged eagerly, gaining new perspectives on identity, respect and embracing gaps.
A remarkable initiative of Human Rights Celebration by Bangalore city colleges and NGOs, concluded on International Human Rights Day with a glittering valedictory ceremony at St. Joseph’s University. Chief Guest Hon’ble Justice N.K. Sudhindra Rao stressed celebrating human rights ‘like a birthday,’ highlighting universal dignity beyond differences. Keynote speaker Adv. Ashwini Obulesh addressed violations, especially against women, and the need to live life fully. Presided by Rev. Dr. Victor Lobo, SJ, the event featured distributions of certificates, cultural performances, a collective pledge, and a moving candlelight vigil.
The ten-day festival, held under the UN theme “Our Everyday Essentials”, witnessed street plays, inclusion programmes, transgender dialogues, rallies and legal-aid camps across the city, proving that Bengaluru’s youth are ready to be everyday custodians of dignity and justice. This youth-driven initiative, involving around forty college institutions and NGOs proved that human rights are not abstract but everyday essentials fostered through education, dialogue, and action.