Patiala, December 11
The International Conference on “Shifting Paradigm of Human Rights in the 21st Century” was successfully organised by Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Punjab, in collaboration with the Human Rights Protection Welfare Society, to mark Human Rights Day.
The day-long deliberations brought together judges, legal scholars, practitioners, policymakers and social leaders together to examine the evolving landscape of human rights amid rapid technological advancement and shifting societal norms.
The inaugural session was graced by:
- Justice Dinesh Maheshwari, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India & Chairman, Law Commission of India
- Justice Manjari Nehru Kaul, Former Judge, Punjab & Haryana High Court
- Mamta Kumari, Member, National Commission for Women
- Dr. Kishore Singh, Former UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education
- Prof. (Dr.) Manpreet Singh Manna, Former Vice-Chancellor, Chandigarh University
- Air Marshal Kulwant Singh Gill
In his inaugural address, Justice Dinesh Maheshwari emphasised the essence of true fairness and kindness rooted in intrinsic moral awareness rather than expectation of reward.
“If you want to be fair, be it, but don’t seek something in return; otherwise, it is barter. When people are in survival mode, we prioritise immediate needs; kindness should not be muzzled by acknowledgement,” he said.
Drawing from the ancient dialogue between King Janak and sage Yajnavalkya, he reminded the audience that the real strength of human rights lies in selfless action and ethical courage, not external validation. He observed that paradigm shifts have occurred in every era, yet the capacity to adapt while preserving human dignity remains the constant challenge.
Justice Manjari Nehru Kaul provided a judicial perspective grounded in practical application, stressing the urgent need to protect vulnerable sections, especially children. Describing the conference as a collective “churning of thoughts and experiences,” she called its outcome “nectar” for the advancement of human rights.
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Mamta Kumari highlighted the continuing structural and cultural barriers to gender equality in India. Speaking from her extensive field experience, she underscored that any meaningful human-rights paradigm must address the lived realities of women in both rural and urban India.
Prof. (Dr.) Jai S. Singh, Vice-Chancellor, RGNUL, welcomed the dignitaries and set the tone by emphasising the need for proactive legal frameworks that safeguard individual dignity in an increasingly digital world.
Dr. Kishore Singh focused on the global dimension, examining the complex ethical and legal challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence, including privacy, bias and discrimination. He urged the international community to develop robust governance mechanisms so that technological progress does not come at the cost of fundamental rights.
Prof. (Dr.) Manpreet Singh Manna reinforced that AI remains merely a tool devoid of human emotions and can never replace the empathy and moral judgment essential to the practice of law.
Air Marshal Kulwant Singh Gill concluded the inaugural session with an inspiring address on leadership and moral courage, invoking the timeless Indian example of Bharat.
The conference served as a vital platform for interdisciplinary dialogue on reimagining human rights protection in the 21st century.
