With a view of celebrating the Human Rights Day, Human Rights Association, Suraksha Consumer Forum and Humanities Association of St. Philomena College, Puttur, Dakshina Kannada District Legal Aid Authority, Mangalore, Taluk Legal Aid Association, Puttur, Lawyers’ Association, Puttur and Police Department, Puttur jointly organized a talk on ‘Legal Awareness on Human Rights’ on 10th December, 2014 at SJM Hall, St.Philomena College.
After inaugurating the programme with the lighting of the lamp, Mr. C.K Basavaraj, Senior Civil Judge, Additional Civil Judge and President of Taluk Legal Aid Cell in his inaugural address said, “Ignorance of law is not an excuse. Anybody committing a crime in the pretext of not knowing the law will have to be punished. Indian Constitution has guaranteed us fundamental rights which has guaranteed every citizen of the country to lead a peaceful life and at the same time we have been prescribed certain duties which creates checks and balances.”
Mr. DurgaPrassad Rai, Lawyer and President of Lawyers’ Association, Puttur in his presidential address said, “ It is imperative on the part of the administration to enforce the law at the same time it is essential for the citizens to be aware of the rights and also be able to spread this in the society”. He added, “Human Rights is spread across the world, in order to strengthen it more Human Rights day is celebrated on December 10th every year.”
The Guest of Honour was Mr. N.G Bhaskar Rai, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Puttur voiced his opinion saying, “Despite of enacting law, protecting Human Rights there has been several violations which will have to be checked by the interference of the citizens.
The Guest of Honour, Prof. Leo Noronha, Principal of St. Philomena College speaking on the occasion said, “Not knowing the law will lead us in doing illegal things and therefore we should bring awareness among the people about the existing laws.”
Resource Person Mr. Murali Krishna K.N, Lawyer, Puttur spread the message of awareness of human rights. Talking about the prevailing situations in our society he called upon the students to be responsible citizens by protecting their rights as well as respecting others.
Chief Guest of the function were Mrs. Preeth J, Civil Judge, Magistrate and Member Secretary of Taluk Legal Aid Association, Puttur, Mr. Tamanna C, Asst. Public Prosecutor and executive secretary, Taluk Legal Aid Association, Puttur, Mr. Prathap Kumar, Asst. Public Prosecutor, Puttur. Mr. B.K. Manjayya, Police Inspector, Puttur Station, Puttur, Mr. Mahesh Kaje, Lawyer and member of Karnataka State Legal Aid Authority, Bangalore, Mr. Manjunatha N.S., Lawyer and member of Karnataka State Legal Aid Authority, Bangalore, Mr. Monappa, Lawyer and Treasurer, Lawyers’ Association, Puttur, Mr. Ramanada, Lawyer and Joint Secretary, Lawyers’ Association, Puttur.
Dr Norbert Mascarenhas and Prof. Venkateshwari, Directors of Human Rights Association, Prof. Dinakara Rao, Director of Suraksha Consumer Forum and Prof. Subair, Director of Humanities Association of St. Philomena College were present on this occasion.
Ms. Pavithra and group sang the prayer song. Mr. Santhosh Kumar M., Lawyer and Secretary of Lawyers’ Association, Puttur welcomed the gathering. Mr. Jayanand, Lawyer and Vice President of Lawyers’ Association, Puttur proposed the vote of thanks. Mr. Chidananda Kamath of Labour Dept. of Puttur compered the programme.