GUWAHATI, Oct 25 - The Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR), in collaboration with National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and Cotton University, organised a programme to commemorate �150th Year of Celebrating Mahatma� at Sudmersen Hall, Cotton University here today.
Dr Sunita Changkakati, Chairperson, ASCPCR, while speaking on the occasion, mentioned that much before the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) came into being in 1989, Mahatma Gandhi�s idea of Sarvodaya, meaning welfare of all, underscored the importance of human rights and rights of children. Later, in 1992, India ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Children. A considerable influence of Mahatma Gandhi is seen in various articles of the Universal Declaration and Conventions on Human Rights and Child Rights, she said.
She further mentioned that though Mahatma Gandhi�s philosophy and writings are widely read, the implications of his philosophy have not been adequately explored in terms of rights of children in contemporary India.
Hitesh Shankar, eminent social thinker and journalist, highlighted the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi and mentioned its relevance in the present society for building a strong nation as well as in shaping a better tomorrow for the new generation.
�It is only when we imbibe the philosophy of the Mahatma, it will reflect on our dealings with issues. We need to be more compassionate towards the children and ensure that our activities are targeted towards welfare and development of all,� he added.
Professor Dr Bhabesh Chandra Goswami, Vice Chancellor, Cotton University in his keynote address elaborated on the importance of the day. He pointed out that the ideologies and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi are very much relevant today and have direct implications vis-a-vis attainment of self-development and nation building.
The day started with a soulful bhajan on Mahatma Gandhi performed by Sudakshina Sarma. The winners of the painting and essay writing competitions organised by ASCPCR among school students on the theme �Mahatma Gandhi and children�s Right to Education' and �Mahatma Gandhi on Equality and Non-Discrimination� respectively, were awarded on the occasion.
