Workshop on Human Rights by Ms. Shaleen Das

“Peace can only last where human rights are respected, where the people are fed, and where individuals and nations are free.” — 14^th Dalai Lama

The Bhawanipur Education Society College conducted a workshop on Human Rights Education. It was a two-day workshop conducted by Ms. Shaleen Das on 29^th November, 2023 and 30^th November, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. onwards at the Society Hall of the college campus. Ms. Shaleen Das is the Brand Ambassador for Youth for Human Rights International Washington DC India. By profession, she is a Guest Lecturer in colleges, an Etiquette Trainer for aspiring airline cabin crew, and a specialist in Men’s Rights. Additionally, she will be receiving her Doctorate in Human Rights from USA on 2^nd December 2023.

The event started with an oath where along with Ms. Shaleen Das, the students took the oath to be humble and respectful to their peers. Following this, Ms. Das thanked Prof. Dilip Shah, Rector, and Dean of Student Affairs, BESC for making the first-ever Human Rights Workshop possible in BESC. Prof. Dilip Shah shared his words of wisdom and said that we should always keep our spirits high and keep learning. He then felicitated Ms. Shaleen Das.

The event continued with Ms. Das enlightening the students about Human Rights. According to her, we study various subjects in educational institutions but not Human Rights, so it’s high time we learn about Human Rights, spread awareness, and make the world a better place. Ms. Das began her lecture by showing the students a video clip on the story of Human Rights. The video raised a question that said, “If people have the right to food and shelter, why are 16,000 children dying of starvation every day – one every five seconds?” She enlightened us about Youth for Human Rights International Club, which is present in 190 countries, with the sole purpose of educating today’s youth about their rights. She distributed booklets to students. The booklets were named “What Are Human Rights,” which explained all the 30 Rights under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

On day 1 Ms. Das explained the need for Human Rights and discussed the first 13 Human Rights under UDHR. According to her, Human Rights modifies us to be better human beings and she said understanding Human Rights is understanding humanity. The session became interactive as she asked the students to share their views on Human Rights. The first day ended on a positive note.

The second day was informative & interactive as well.  The day started with the Oath, followed by Ms. Das explaining the remaining rights under UDHR with the help of some video clips.  After this, there was a discussion on various Rights, where the students were divided into groups and each group was given different Rights to speak upon with the help of a PowerPoint presentation. Lastly, there was a painting segment where each team painted a tree, and each branch of the tree showcased a Right. With great discussions, group presentations, and team efforts, the two-day was filled with knowledge and ended with fun, all on the note of Human Rights for all.

Reporter – Moubani Maity
Photographer – Alokit Lakra