NHRC helped guard human rights: PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a special mention of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' address, for having completed 25 years. He said the body, formed in 1993, was inspired by the vision of Dr BR Ambedkar. "NHRC has not only protected human rights but has also promoted respect for human dignity over the years," said Modi, while mentioning the Sanskrit quote 'Nyayamoolam Swarajyam Syat' which, he said, meant justice lies at the root of Swaraj.

He went to to say that the NHRC has instilled widespread awareness of human rights and has played an important role in preventing their misuse. "Today, with NHRC operating at the national level, 26 state human rights commissions have also been constituted. As a society, we need to understand the importance of human rights and inculcate them into practice — this is the very basis of 'sab ka saath; sab ka vikas'," he said.

Modi also paid tributes to Jai Prakash Narayan and Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia. While JP Narayan's birthday is on October 11, this is the birth centenary of Scindia. "These luminaries have been infusing inspiration in all of us and we offer our heartfelt tributes to them," he said.

He also paid tributes to Sardar Patel, and urged everybody to participate in the 'Run for Unity' race that's organised on Patel's birth anniversary on October 31 every year. He ended the episode by offering his greetings on the occasion of Navratri, Durga Puja and Vijayadashmi.