As the world celebrated the Human Rights Day on Saturday, former high court judge, Justice MF Saldanha, was critical of the flouting of human rights in the city.
As the world celebrated the Human Rights Day on Saturday, former high court judge, Justice MF Saldanha, was critical of the flouting of human rights in the city.
At an event organised by the Student Christian Movement of India, SICHREM, to commemorate the occasion, Saldanha criticised the widespread apathy in dealing with issues plaguing the city.
“When we think of a place with rampant human rights violations, we think of places like the North-East or Kashmir and we never think of a place like Bangalore,” he said, addressing students who are part of SICHREM. “There are thousands of deaths occurring owing to dowry problems in the country and Karnataka is one of the worst offenders,” he added.
He also had a few choice words against the educational system in the city. “Today, parents want their children in the best pre-schools and institutions and are willing to pay anything for it. Education today is a business and lacks quality. Corruption is terrible infringement on human rights,” he said passionately.
The only way to counter corruption is by not giving way to apathy, pleaded Saldanha. “People have a very casual attitude about corruption. They don’t see a point in protesting, in taking a stand.
But in order to become an achiever, you should not compromise. I am here today because I never compromised. We should never compromise for basic rights like water and education,” he said.
Also, the former high court judge said students must make it their mission to stand up for their rights. “I want every one of you to promise me that you will not become like a jellyfish—totally spineless,” he said in a moment of levity.
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