: SJCL :

Ubuntu - Human Rights Week 2023-24 Organised by Human Rights Cell

The term "Ubuntu" resonates deeply within each of us, reflecting our interconnectedness as a single entity, a unified consciousness. Any harm inflicted upon an individual transcends to affect all of humanity. This celebration of humanity and the recognition of human rights embody this collective spirit.

The struggles we face, both internally and externally, are highlighted in this event. Many among us endure bullying and harassment daily. Looking beyond ourselves, we witness humanity grappling with similar battles and experiencing brutality. In this shared suffering, we find a collective burden.

However, in the act of imparting kindness, virtue, and compassion, we collectively flourish. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). It beckons us to critically evaluate the progress achieved through such instruments and to contemplate necessary adaptations to meet the evolving needs and trends of our swiftly changing society.

Schedule of Human Rights Week

Sl. No	Particular	Date
01	A) Inauguration - Pledge Taking and 75 th year UDHR Celebration B) Workshop on Caste and Gender-Based Violence	11-12-23
02	Intra College Competition - Essay Writing - Extempore	12-12-23
03	Viduthalai - Film Screening	13-12-23
04	Voices of Resistance First-ever SJCL Open Mic	14-12-23

Day 1 – Inauguration of Human Rights Week & Workshop on Caste & Gender-Based Violence

The Human Rights Cell titled this year's HR Week celebration UBUNTU and decided to inaugurate the program with a unique program. During the short break in the morning, the students of SJCL along with the admin, management and teaching faculty formed a human chain while songs of humanity were played in the background.

Then to mark the inauguration the Director led the pledge-taking by signing on the billboard. Students and faculty members joined the pledge-taking event by signing on the billboard.

Attendees:
Director: Fr Jerald dSouza
Principal: Pauline Priya
Vice Principal: Dr Sneha Balaraj

Staff and students.

The program gave a call to pledge our life to protect and promote human rights in our private and public life.

Day 2 – Essay Writing and Extempore Competitions

Essay Competition
Topic: Caste-Based Violence
Participants 13
Judged by: Assistant Prof. Surjeet & Assistant Prof. Satyaki
Extempore Competition
Topics: Various Human Rights related topics
Participants: 15
Judged by: Assistant Prof Geo Varghese & Assistant Prof Tejaswini U

Day 3 – Viduthalai - Film Screening

On the third day, the Cell screened the Tamil film Vidthalai directed by National
Award winner Vetri Maaran. 35 students attended the film. Viduthalai is an
important addition to the world of cinema for its bold depiction of police brutality,
political killing, marginalisation of tribal communities.
Post the movie screening the students participated in a reflection and discussion
on the issues the movie had raised. Many opined that organised resistance against state violence
essential to safeguard the vulnerable communities.

Day 4 – Open Mic

The final program scheduled for the human rights week was the open mic event, that
was aimed at allowing the students to be heard, seen, and valued. It was rightly
themed & voices of resistance & as it proved to be a place where one could stand up for
not just themselves but for those in pain and suffering. This was probably one of the
most impactful segments of human rights week, we witnessed, song, dance, poetry,
narration, and other awe-inspiring pieces by both the students of SJCL, as well as
external parties, there was a beautiful musical piece in the end resonating the words
“jai bhim” all through the campus walls. People passionately expressed their love for
the nation, as well as the pride of being human and sympathizing and lending our
voice to our fellow human beings.

In closing, Human rights week resonated with the message of love, oneness, and
peace along with justice, equality, and dignity among human beings. By the end of
this week, we were able to see where we are falling short and the ground realities
even though we have instruments like the UDHR in force for over 75 years. There is
still a need to tackle the general insensitivity that exists among the general privileged
lot. Also, in the future, we hope to delve into further depths and try to solve problems
than just trying to understand and talk about them.