By TCN News,
New Delhi: With an aim to discuss the cases of human rights violation and governance issues in various parts of India and West Asia, a two-day national seminar was organised on theme ‘Human Rights and Good Governance in India and West Asia.’
The seminar, organized by the Centre for West Asian Studies (CWAS) at the Jamia Millia Islamia, featured as many as 52 scholars and journalists from all over India and Turkey, who presented and discussed research papers making a strong case for better representation of minorities and women in both the regions.
Another important feature of the seminar was that it devoted two academic sessions on the issue of Palestine. Eight papers were read by the scholars from different universities examining the inhuman and barbaric treatment of brave Palestinian people in violation of all human rights convention and treaties, a release said here.
“Our aim is to sensitize people about human rights violation. India and West Asia are home to almost half the mankind, if such problems persist in these regions, it will be difficult for us to achieve peace in the world,” said Prof Javed Ahmad Khan, director, CWAS.
Key note speaker Prof M D Nalapat, Director of the Department of Geopolitics and International Relations at Manipal University, underlined the need for creating a society free from fear and coercion and creating a conducive atmosphere for each individual to realize her/his potential to make India a great country.
Veteran journalist Seema Mustafa, present at the inauguration of the seminar, shared her experiences of reporting from the region and witnessing a number of human rights violations carried out by the invading armies. “A lot of human rights violations have been carried out in the name of democracy in the region. People, particularly the journalists, should not keep quiet on such issues. The world should know what is happening,” said Mustafa.
The valedictory lecture was given by former Delhi High Court Judge Justice Rajinder Sachar, who pressed on secular values in the country and said that secularism will be the key to India’s success. “People do not understand religion properly. They must learn correct lessons from them (religions). They should remain honest and work for justice,” he said.
Highlighting the relevance of the event, seminar convener, Dr Rafiullah Azmi said: “The topic is quite relevant in our times as wherever we see we find people devoid of human dignity. I wish young scholars learn from the event and speak up for justice and human rights.”