With an aim to discuss the cases of human rights violation and governance issues in various parts of India and West Asia, Centre for West Asian Studies (CWAS), Jamia Millia Islamia organised a two-day national seminar on ‘Human Rights and Good Governance in India and West Asia on 25 and 26 November.
The seminar featured as many as 52 scholars and journalists from all over India and Turkey. During the event, research papers were presented and discussed by the academics who made 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.
“Our aim is to sensitise people about human rights violation. India and West Asia is a home to almost half 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.
Keynote speaker, Prof. M D Nalapat, Director of the Department of Geopolitics and International Relations at Manipal University underlined the need of creating a society free from fear and coercion, and creating conducive atmosphere for each individual to realise her/his potential to make India a great country.
Veteran Journalist, Ms. Seema Mustafa, who was 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 in the region. “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 Seema.
The valedictory lecture was given by former Chief Justice of High Court of Delhi, 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 the correct lesson from them. They should remain honest and work for justice,” said Justice Sachar.
Highlighting the relevance of the event, seminar convener, Dr Rafiullah Azmi thanked Prof. Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia and the UGC for sponsoring this important seminar. “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.”