Institutions & Civil Society Key to Safeguarding Human Rights: Justice Harkesh Manuja at Leadership Conclave 2026 in Chandigarh
The Voice of Chandigarh
The Punjab & Chandigarh Human Rights Commission organized the “Human Rights Leadership Conclave 2026” at the Municipal Bhawan, Sector 35. The conclave witnessed participation from eminent personalities, members of the judiciary, senior officials, academicians, social workers, and core group members from various districts of Punjab and Chandigarh.
Justice Harkesh Manuja, Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished guests included Raj Lali Gill, Chairperson of the Punjab State Women Commission; Gurjeet Kaur and Ruchi Bawa, Vice Chairpersons of the Punjab State Commission for Protection of Child Rights; Gaurav Yadav, DGP Punjab; and Dr Sagar Preet Hooda, DGP Chandigarh.
The program began with the registration of core group members, followed by the national anthem, ceremonial lamp lighting, and a cultural performance.
Rohit Chatrath, Head PR, Research, Training & IT, stated that the key highlight of the conclave was the active participation and formal induction of core group members. These members form the backbone of the Commission’s grassroots work. Representing various districts of Punjab and Chandigarh, they act as an extended arm of the Commission by identifying human rights violations, spreading awareness, and facilitating communication between the public and the Commission.
He further elaborated that the inclusion of these members is a significant step towards strengthening the human rights protection mechanism and expanding the Commission’s reach across Punjab and Chandigarh.
Core group members have been assigned several responsibilities, including raising awareness about human rights at the local level, assisting victims in approaching the Commission and obtaining justice, reporting incidents of human rights violations for timely action, participating in training, research, and awareness programs organized by the Commission, and acting as a bridge between society and the Commission.
In his address, Justice Harkesh Manuja emphasized the vital role of institutions and civil society in safeguarding human rights and ensuring justice for vulnerable sections.
Justice Sant Parkash, Chairperson of the Commission, highlighted several proactive initiatives, including issues related to uranium contamination, public safety concerns such as dog bite incidents, pollution in Chandigarh, rights of mentally challenged individuals, welfare of visually impaired persons, and implementation of fire safety measures in educational institutions.
Commission member Justice Gurbeer Singh and Jatinder Singh Shunty also shared their views. Shunty spoke about efforts related to maintaining the dignity of the deceased, welfare of sanitation workers, ambulance services, and humanitarian assistance.
Several prominent social workers were also honored for their outstanding contributions to social service and the field of human rights.
Technical sessions featured expert lectures by Rohit Chatrath, Jot Jeet Sabharwal, and Dr. Upneet Kaur Mangat, focusing on the Commission’s functioning, human rights education, and contemporary challenges.
The program also included cultural performances, open discussions, a press interaction, and a closing ceremony.
The conclave proved to be an effective platform for dialogue, awareness, and collaboration, reaffirming the commitment of the Punjab & Chandigarh Human Rights Commission towards human rights protection through institutional efforts and community participation.
