CU Punjab hosted an Invited Lecture on “Our Daily Needs and Human Rights in the State of Punjab” by Padma Shri Jitender Singh Shunty

Bathinda, December 18, 2025: The Dr. Ambedkar Chair on Human Rights and Environmental Values at the Central University of Punjab (CU Punjab) organised a thought-provoking invited lecture on the theme “Our Daily Needs and Human Rights in the State of Punjab.” The programme was held under the patronage of Prof. Raghavendra Prasad Tiwari, Vice-Chancellor, and under the leadership of Prof. Kiran Hazarika, Pro Vice-Chancellor, CU Punjab. An eminent social worker and Padma Shri awardee Jitender Singh Shunty, Member of the Punjab State Human Rights Commission, participated as the Chief Guest and keynote speaker.
In his address, Padma Shri Shunty emphasised that human rights are not merely legal provisions but are deeply connected to the basic necessities of daily life, such as health, human dignity, emergency services, patients’ rights, and the dignified management of dead bodies. He stressed the need to cultivate a strong sense of duty alongside awareness of human rights. Sharing his experiences of service during the COVID-19 pandemic, he highlighted how timely ambulance services, availability of oxygen, medical assistance, and human compassion provided crucial support to countless families during extremely challenging times. He also referred to the Right of Patients and the Right of Dead Bodies, stating that a dignified life as well as a dignified final farewell are integral components of human rights.
Presiding over the programme, Prof. Kiran Hazarika, Pro Vice-Chancellor, CU Punjab, remarked that the protection of human rights is not confined to institutions or laws alone but is a moral responsibility of every citizen. He underlined that genuine societal progress is possible only when individuals move beyond personal success and remain sensitive and responsive to the suffering of the marginalised, helpless, and needy sections of society. Appreciating the exemplary service rendered by Padma Shri S. Shunty, Prof. Hazarika stated that “the true meaning of service lies not in words, but in action,” and described his ambulance service as a living and practical manifestation of human rights in action.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Ambedkar Chair Professor Prof. Kanhaiya Tripathi, who extended greetings to the university fraternity, faculty members from various departments, students, and invited guests. In his address, he drew upon the humanistic philosophy of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, emphasizing that human rights extend beyond constitutional or policy frameworks and find their true essence in the continuous and practical pursuit of compassion, service, social justice, and collective responsibility.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks. On the occasion, Dr. Puneet Pathak, Head, Department of Law, Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Assistant Professor, Dr. Ambedkar Chair, along with university officials, research scholars, and students, were present in large numbers.