President Murmu Highlights Inclusive Development & Rights at Human Rights Day

In her address, President Murmu noted that Human Rights Day serves as a global reminder that universal human rights are inalienable and essential for building fair and compassionate societies.

President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu graced and addressed the Human Rights Day celebrations organized by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in New Delhi on December 10, 2025. The event brought together policymakers, jurists, civil society members, and human rights champions to reaffirm India’s commitment to protecting dignity, equality, and justice for all.

Human Rights: Foundation of a Just and Compassionate Society

In her address, President Murmu noted that Human Rights Day serves as a global reminder that universal human rights are inalienable and essential for building fair and compassionate societies. Reflecting on the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, she highlighted India’s historic role in shaping global human rights discourse—rooted in the values envisioned by India’s freedom fighters, who believed in a world built on dignity, equality, and justice.

She stressed that human rights must reach “the person in the last mile,” echoing the philosophy of Antyodaya, which prioritizes the welfare of the most marginalized. Every citizen, she said, must actively participate in India's development journey toward building a Viksit Bharat by 2047, ensuring that progress is truly inclusive.

Human Rights and the Vision of the Constitution

The President affirmed that India’s Constitution embodies the spirit of human rights and promotes social democracy—the right to live without fear, learn without barriers, work without exploitation, and age with dignity. She reiterated that development and human rights are inseparable, and India has shown the world that sustainable peace rests on justice.

NHRC’s Role as a Sentinel of Justice and Rights

President Murmu applauded the NHRC, State Human Rights Commissions, judiciary, and civil society for acting as vigilant custodians of constitutional values. She appreciated the NHRC's proactive steps, including:

• Suo motu action on issues impacting Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, and children

• Extensive deliberations on Human Rights of Prison Inmates during the Commission’s Foundation Day

• Initiatives to strengthen legal safeguards and policy frameworks

She expressed confidence that these dialogues would lead to meaningful reforms.

Women’s Rights as a Cornerstone of Human Rights

Highlighting women’s empowerment as a key pillar of human rights, the President welcomed the NHRC’s conference on women’s safety in public and workplace environments. Insights from such platforms, she said, are essential for improving safety measures, addressing gender-based discrimination, and fostering empowerment at the societal level.

Government’s Commitment: From Entitlement to Empowerment

President Murmu observed that India has undergone a significant shift over the last decade—from an entitlement-based approach to one focused on empowerment and rights. She emphasized government efforts to ensure universal access to essential services such as:

• Clean drinking water

• Electricity and cooking gas

• Health insurance and healthcare

• Banking and financial inclusion

• Quality education

• Improved sanitation and hygiene

These initiatives, she said, uplift households and restore dignity at the grassroots level.

Labour Code Reforms for a Future-Ready Workforce

The President highlighted the Government’s recent notification of four Labour Codes—on wages, industrial relations, social security, and occupational safety. These comprehensive reforms aim to modernize labour frameworks, build a future-ready workforce, ensure improved working conditions, and create resilient industries in a rapidly changing economic landscape.

Human Rights: A Shared Responsibility

Concluding her address, President Murmu reminded citizens that safeguarding human rights is not the sole responsibility of governments or institutions. Instead, it is a collective moral duty of every individual.

“Protecting the dignity and rights of our fellow citizens is a shared responsibility,” she said, urging all to contribute to a compassionate, just, and responsible society.