RONO HILLS, Oct 22: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Special Monitor Prof Kanhaiya Tripathi has called for stronger institutional mechanisms to promote human rights awareness, gender equality and student welfare at Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU).
He made the observations during an interaction programme organised at the IUGS Conference Hall on Wednesday, attended by students, research scholars, faculty members and university officials.
Addressing the gathering, Prof Tripathi emphasised the need to uphold human dignity, constitutional values and equality in educational institutions. He stressed that universities must foster an inclusive environment free from discrimination, where every individual can participate and thrive.
He urged the university to publish a newsletter to disseminate information on human rights and highlight positive initiatives. He also recommended setting up a Human Rights Cell within the university administration and Human Rights Clubs in individual hostels to encourage student participation, empathy and social responsibility.
Prof Tripathi further advocated publishing journals and edited books on human rights and establishing a dedicated Centre for Human Rights at RGU to promote research, academic engagement, awareness and advocacy.
Highlighting the importance of a healthy campus environment, he stressed the need for adequate water facilities, proper sanitation, cleanliness and hygiene in the university and its hostels. He also called for greater awareness of cyber hygiene and cybersecurity to safeguard students and other members of the university community in the digital space.
Underscoring the importance of well-being beyond academic performance, he said student satisfaction, positive relationships, recreational opportunities and a supportive campus atmosphere were essential to holistic development. He called for efforts to improve the overall happiness and well-being of the university community.
The interaction provided students and faculty members an opportunity to raise concerns relating to human rights, equality and institutional responsibility. Some participants also brought grievances to the attention of the NHRC Special Monitor, who noted them for appropriate consideration and follow-up by the concerned authorities.
RGU's In-charge Vice-Chancellor, Prof Jharna Chakravorty, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the significance of academic dialogue, awareness and student welfare in strengthening the university's educational environment.
Earlier, the programme began with a welcome address by Registrar Dr NT Rikam, followed by the felicitation of Prof Tripathi and a presentation on the university's academic activities by Dr Abhay Kumar, assistant professor in the Department of Law.
As part of his visit, Prof Tripathi interacted with deans, hostel wardens, students, research scholars, faculty members and university officials to understand their experiences and concerns. He also visited three university hostels to inspect facilities and infrastructure and assess the living conditions of students. During the visits, he interacted with hostellers and sought feedback on sanitation, cleanliness, amenities and other welfare-related issues.
The visit highlighted the importance of institutional accountability and coordinated efforts in ensuring a safe, inclusive and supportive campus where human rights, equality and individual dignity are respected.
NHRC monitor stresses human rights education at Itanagar school
The NHRC Special Monitor also visited PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 2, Itanagar, on Wednesday and interacted with students and faculty members on human rights education, gender equality and the promotion of constitutional values in schools.
The programme was attended by Assistant Director of SCERT, Itanagar, SB Singh; Samar Bahadur; and Deputy Registrar of the Arunachal Pradesh State Human Rights Commission Mama Tang among others.
During the interaction, Prof Tripathi stressed the role of educational institutions in integrating human rights awareness and gender sensitisation into everyday school life. He underlined the importance of nurturing socially responsible citizens who uphold equality, respect human dignity and understand their rights and responsibilities.
Welcoming the NHRC Special Monitor, Principal Vinay Kumar highlighted the school's initiatives to promote human rights awareness, gender sensitivity and equal opportunities through morning assemblies, debates, extempore speaking, Youth Parliament and various activities under the PM SHRI scheme.
He emphasised that these platforms help students develop empathy, respect for diversity, democratic participation and a sense of responsible citizenship.