(Don Bosco College Golaghat, Assam) – Don Bosco College, Golaghat, observed International Human Rights Day in conjunction with Animal Rights Day, uniting students, faculty, and community members under the central theme “Human Rights and Our Everyday Essentials.” The event underscored the interconnectedness of human dignity, environmental responsibility, and animal welfare.
Principal Fr. Dr. A. Amaladoss inaugurated the programme, stressing that human rights are not abstract principles but daily necessities shaping access, dignity, opportunity, and freedom. He launched the awareness rally, which covered Ward No. 2 and adjoining areas of Golaghat, urging participants to carry the message of rights and responsibilities beyond the campus.
Fr. Kamil Horo, President of the College Society, presided as Chief Guest, while Smt. Halima Siddika, Ward Commissioner, served as the Guest of Honour. In his address, Fr. Kamil highlighted the moral obligation to extend dignity not only to all human beings but to the natural world and its creatures. “Care for the earth includes care for its animals—who equally deserve respect, space, and love,” he said.
Cultural performances celebrating human rights preceded the rally. Faculty, students, and well-wishers marched with banners and placards illustrating the 30 Universal Basic Human Rights adopted by the United Nations on December 10, 1948. Victor Ganmei, a Political Science student, led a pledge reaffirming commitment to uphold human and animal rights and to exercise fundamental freedoms responsibly for the common good.
The national anthem signalled the beginning of the march. Fr. Alaye, Vice Principal (Discipline and Co-curricular), led the procession, while Dr. Sr. Sheela Paul, Vice Principal (Academics), coordinated at the rear. During the rally, Smt. Halima Siddika addressed participants, outlining India’s human rights architecture, which protects dignity, promotes equality, and sustains unity in diversity.
Participants also raised awareness of pressing social and environmental concerns, including anti-corruption efforts, preventing child marriage, cleanliness, ecological conservation, and the ethical treatment of animals. The observance concluded with a call for sustained civic engagement, affirming that safeguarding rights demands collective responsibility from every citizen and institution.
Source: Don Bosco South Asia