“It is not enough to be educated, as female foeticide is more common among highly educated people and it is accomplished by a section of highly educated people – the doctors,” said Er. Muhammad Saleem, Rajasthan State president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind. He was presiding over Human Dignity Conference, organised by the Jaipur Unit of Jamaat on the occasion of World Human Rights Day.
He expressed great worry on the increasing incidents of female foeticide and appealed to people to protect their girl children and demanded from the government to effectively implement the law against female foeticide.
He expressed his concern over the violation of the rights of women as well as the elderly. He said, “The young generation is not fulfilling its duty towards its elderly. Old parents who bring up their children, devote their best skills and spend their money on them are in a helpless situation, and looking after them has become a problem. That is why the need of old age homes has become vital.”
He said only by making laws, human rights cannot be protected. There must be fear of God behind every law; then only they can be beneficial. He also expressed his concern on the atrocities on Dalits and said that nobody is superior to others merely on the basis of birth. The Holy Qur’an says one who fears God more is better among you.
The Jamaat leader stated that Islam positively protects human rights, ensures dignity to mankind and presents a complete charter of human rights. He appealed to the Muslim community to come forth to uphold human dignity and protect human rights of others rather than only of themselves.
Mr. Bhanwar Meghwanshi, a devoted social activist and editor and publisher of Diamond India, was awarded Human Dignity Award-2007 for his outstanding work in protecting the rights of Dalits and tribals.
Dr. D.R. Mehta, known for the famous ‘Jaipur Foot’ was honoured with “Human Service Felicitation.” ?
In his address, Dr. Mehta said that all citizens must get equal opportunity of education and health. He announced that if any disabled person is brought to him, he will provide him with hearing aid, Jaipur foot, tricycle or any other facility needed, without any cost.
Waqar Ahmad, Jaipur unit president of the Jamaat, said in his inaugural speech that God has created all human beings from a single pair of male and female, hence all of us are brothers and sisters.
Mr. T.C. Rahul, State President of Bodh Mahasabha, said the basis of human rights is religion. The government plays an important role in the protection of human rights, he said, adding that the governments have failed in protecting them.
The Sarpanch of Indira Nagar Valmiki Samaj, Mr. Gopal Boyat said, “It is apparent by my presence here, in spite of my being a Dalit, that the Jamaat believes in equality and brotherhood.”
Senior BBC journalist, Mr. Narayan Bareth elaborated with the help of various data that there has been great violation of human rights all over the world and our country is no exception. Even today there are places in our country, where swine can go swimming through the pond and dogs can drink water but a Dalit, a human being, can not quench his thirst from it, he added.
He said that the rights of poor labourers are being violated through the SEZ like laws. Mr. Abdul Lateef Arco, Chairman of Mansoori Vikas Federation, Qari Mueenuddeen, Convenor of Rajasthan Muslim Forum and Mr. Than Singh Jatav, State President of PUCL also put forth their views on the occasion.