Human rights are the backbone of any civilized society. These are not just words recorded in law books but are the basis that provides every citizen the opportunity to live a life with dignity, equality and freedom. In a country full of diversity like India, the concept of human rights becomes even more important, because here many identities like caste, religion, language and regionalism are intertwined. Independent India is identified by the fact that it promised rights and freedom to its citizens and tried to implement them through the Constitution. But the journey of these rights has not been so straight. This journey has reached today’s time by passing through ancient philosophy, social reform movements, freedom struggles, constitutional debates and modern challenges.
Ancient Indian philosophy and the roots of human rights
India’s cultural and philosophical traditions have always given importance to the dignity of the individual and social justice. Equality, duty and dharma have been talked about in the Rigveda and Upanishads. The concept of security and justice of citizens is clearly reflected in the policies of governance in Arthashastra. While Buddhism considered non-violence and compassion as the basis of society, Jainism emphasized kindness and equality towards all beings. This philosophy was transformed into practical policies during the reign of Emperor Ashoka when he went beyond religion, caste and language and implemented equality and welfare policies for all.
It would not be wrong to say that the foundation of human rights in India was laid in ancient times itself, although at that time these ideas were limited in scope and did not reach all sections equally. Nevertheless, it was an idea that gave a new direction to the society, which laid the foundation for further reforms.
Role of social reform movements
With the passage of time, many inequalities and evils in the society became deeper. Issues like casteism, child marriage, Sati Pratha, untouchability and injustice to women kept binding the society. At such a time, many social reformers came forward who challenged these evils.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy raised his voice against Sati Pratha and explained the importance of women education. Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar supported widow remarriage and opened institutions for women’s education. Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule gave the education of Dalits and women the form of a movement. Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar fought against social discrimination and casteism and gave the message of equality to the society.
These movements not only brought about social reform but also gave the modern concept of human rights an opportunity to take root in Indian society. These movements inspired the makers of the Constitution that a society should be created where every citizen can live with equal rights.
Freedom struggle and the nature of human rights
The Indian freedom struggle was not only a struggle to gain political freedom, but it was also a movement to protect the rights and dignity of the common people. Mahatma Gandhi gave the message through the principles of truth and non-violence that every human being has the right to freedom. Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh and other leaders also talked about freedom as well as the rights and equality of citizens.
When the United Nations General Assembly passed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948, it had a profound impact on the making of the Indian Constitution. Keeping in mind the principles of this declaration, the Constituent Assembly made the Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles a part of the Constitution. Thus, the freedom struggle not only brought political independence to India but also gave it a way of thinking that later formed a strong basis for rights.
Constitution: The Foundation of Rights
The Constitution of India is the greatest instrument for the protection of the rights of citizens. The Constitution makers incorporated fundamental rights in such a way that they can protect the dignity and freedom of every citizen.
- Fundamental Rights: These include the right to life and personal liberty, the right to equality, freedom of expression, freedom of religion and the right to education.
- Directive Principles of State Policy: These guide the state towards bringing social and economic justice, such as health, education, social security and rural development.
- Rights of Scheduled Castes, Tribes and Other Weaker Sections: The Constitution made special provisions so that historically deprived sections can get justice and equal opportunity.
The Constitution is not just a legal document, but it is a promise made to the people of India that every citizen will get justice, liberty and equality.
Role of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), established in 1993, infused a new energy into the protection of rights. This commission hears the complaints of citizens, investigates human rights violations and makes suggestions to the government. This institution not only protects constitutional rights but also tries to spread awareness in the society and make policies more humane.
Challenges of human rights in modern India
Today India has entered the 21st century, but the challenges in the field of human rights are still not over.
- Poverty and inequality: Millions of people are still living below the poverty line. Lack of education and health facilities is a big obstacle in the path of rights.
- Displacement due to development projects: Big dams, mining and industrial projects have deprived millions of people of their land and resources.
- Social discrimination: Casteism, gender-based discrimination and religious intolerance have not been completely eradicated even today.
- Lack of awareness and access to justice: Common citizens are often unaware of their rights or are unable to use them due to legal complexities.
Civil society and the human rights movement
Civil society has played an important role in protecting and expanding human rights in India. NGOs, social activists and movements have constantly fought for women’s rights, environmental protection, tribal rights and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. In recent years, the judiciary has also delivered progressive judgments, such as the repeal of Section 377, which reflect the new understanding of human rights in society.
Modern Reality and Way Forward
The real test of human rights in India lies in how far the gap between constitutional promises and ground realities can be bridged. If we truly want to build an equal and just society, we must make education, health, employment and social security universal. At the same time, we must ensure that the vulnerable and marginalized communities are also included in the mainstream of society.
Conclusion
The journey of human rights in India has started from ancient philosophy, reached the freedom struggle and the Constitution and is now grappling with modern challenges. This journey proves that human rights are not just a legal subject but also a social and moral commitment. Today, the need is for the government, judiciary and civil society to work together to ensure that every Indian can live a life of dignity, liberty and equality. This will be the true modern reality of our constitutional promise.
