Human Rights Day

Amidst the ongoing, so-called 'encroachment drives' that are being unleashed on the poor slum dwellers and street vendors of Patna by the newly elected State Government, where the norms and 'due process' appear to be grossly ignored and flouted, Aashray Abhiyan, held a community outreach program for our focus populations.

On the 10th of December, Wednesday, a program to mark Human Rights Day was held among the community at Stand Road in Patna. It was organised by Saraswati Devi, and the event was conducted by Dharmendra Kumar.

While introducing the topic, social worker Dilip Kumar Patel shed light on fundamental rights for constitutional human rights, such as the right to live with dignity, freedom, against exploitation, cultural and educational rights, rights to constitutional remedies, etc. He emphasized making women from slum areas aware of their rights, organizing to struggle, and raising their voices strongly, thereby instilling enthusiasm among the people.

Additionally, Ward No. 09 Ward Councilor Ashish Kumar Shankar called for organizing to strengthen voices in response to the "bulldozer government" and for robust implementation of the Street Vendor Act.

Aashray Abhiyan Director and Secretary Sister Dorothy Fernandes, addressing the women present, recounted the success stories of struggles from previous years and stated that even today, all women need to come together in large numbers and take the initiative in responding to the bulldozers demolishing slum huts, and other slum dwellers must support those whose shanties are being broken.

She also shared thoughts on ways to live a dignified life, emphasizing the fundamental rights described in the Constitution.

Additionally, another program was held near Manahi Pakdi Park to celebrate Human Rights Day among unorganized workers and slum dwellers.

Participants in the program included: Dilip Patel, Dharmendra Kumar, Sudarshan Kumar, Bittu Kumar, Ranjit Sir, Saraswati Devi, Pramila Devi, and Rambabu Prasad Ji.