Patkai Christian College Principal, Husazu Epao (left) with the Dean ICFAI University, Dimapur, Dr. CP Alexander launching the Human Rights Education course at the Bundrock Chapel Hall on Monday, August 22. (Morung Photo)
Dimapur, August 22 (MExN): Pataki Christian College (PCC) has introduced a course on Human Rights Education for all disciplines starting from this academic session. The course was launched by the Dean ICFAI University, Dimapur, Dr. CP Alexander at Bundrock Chapel Hall this morning. PCC is the first college in Nagaland to introduce this course which has been made mandatory for all disciplines as an add-on subject.
Dr. Alexander, in his inaugural address, said the course has been introduction timely- at a time when it has become imperative for every individual, both learned and laity, to know of one’s rights. He said that that the course would enable the students to have a holistic perspective on human rights. “It is obvious that the concern over human right has become more prominent over the last few decades. This, on one hand, points out the significance of education in making us aware of our existential rights and on the other hand points to the impact of technological advancement in creating a global village,” he said.
Expounding further on the concept of human rights, Dr. Alexander said human rights, per se, are the rights of every human being; the fundamental prerogatives for sustaining and perpetuating the existence of human race on earth. He said that level of deprivation of human rights is mainly due to the impact of technological advancements, which has also resulted in human values being replaced with materialistic values. This, he said, is degrading the age old traditional values systems leading to violence and crimes. “Materialist values have led us to be merely concerned about individual rights, rather than being concerned about the common good,” he remarked; adding peace and solidarity can only be achieved when one is assured of one’s existential rights.
Dr. Nzanbeni Patton, Director Succoth also gave an extrapolation on human rights. She stressed on the importance of human rights in contemporary times and the global effort to secure human rights both in the developed and developing nations. She said that the human rights course is much needed as nobody is isolated from the struggles which are taking place around the world anymore. She said it is important for everybody to know about their individual rights in order to understand the rights of others, saying, “If we are ignorant about our rights, we will never know when somebody has encroached upon our rights.”
In a more localized context, Dr. Patton said Nagas claim to be civilized people, livings in modern times. But there are so many atrocities happening in Nagaland which indicate degradation of human dignity, she pointed out. She said that rising crime and corruption in the so called ‘civilized society’ is an indication that Nagas are not ready to take up issues of their rights. “Corruption is causing class system in Naga society which never existed in the past. Are we ready to take up issues of our rights?” she questioned. However, she hoped that by introducing this course, there will be more awareness among the younger generation and the society/community will improve. Dr. Patton also gave a brief summary of the evolution of human rights in international relations.
PCC has attempted to introduce the course keeping in mind the academic scope of human rights studies in contemporary times. The course was introduced in the month of July after approval from the University Grants Commission. Although, Human Rights Education is usually given as an optional subject, PCC has made it compulsory to equip the students with additional criteria which will help them in future academic careers.
Dr. Alexander, in his inaugural address, said the course has been introduction timely- at a time when it has become imperative for every individual, both learned and laity, to know of one’s rights. He said that that the course would enable the students to have a holistic perspective on human rights. “It is obvious that the concern over human right has become more prominent over the last few decades. This, on one hand, points out the significance of education in making us aware of our existential rights and on the other hand points to the impact of technological advancement in creating a global village,” he said.
Expounding further on the concept of human rights, Dr. Alexander said human rights, per se, are the rights of every human being; the fundamental prerogatives for sustaining and perpetuating the existence of human race on earth. He said that level of deprivation of human rights is mainly due to the impact of technological advancements, which has also resulted in human values being replaced with materialistic values. This, he said, is degrading the age old traditional values systems leading to violence and crimes. “Materialist values have led us to be merely concerned about individual rights, rather than being concerned about the common good,” he remarked; adding peace and solidarity can only be achieved when one is assured of one’s existential rights.
Dr. Nzanbeni Patton, Director Succoth also gave an extrapolation on human rights. She stressed on the importance of human rights in contemporary times and the global effort to secure human rights both in the developed and developing nations. She said that the human rights course is much needed as nobody is isolated from the struggles which are taking place around the world anymore. She said it is important for everybody to know about their individual rights in order to understand the rights of others, saying, “If we are ignorant about our rights, we will never know when somebody has encroached upon our rights.”
In a more localized context, Dr. Patton said Nagas claim to be civilized people, livings in modern times. But there are so many atrocities happening in Nagaland which indicate degradation of human dignity, she pointed out. She said that rising crime and corruption in the so called ‘civilized society’ is an indication that Nagas are not ready to take up issues of their rights. “Corruption is causing class system in Naga society which never existed in the past. Are we ready to take up issues of our rights?” she questioned. However, she hoped that by introducing this course, there will be more awareness among the younger generation and the society/community will improve. Dr. Patton also gave a brief summary of the evolution of human rights in international relations.
PCC has attempted to introduce the course keeping in mind the academic scope of human rights studies in contemporary times. The course was introduced in the month of July after approval from the University Grants Commission. Although, Human Rights Education is usually given as an optional subject, PCC has made it compulsory to equip the students with additional criteria which will help them in future academic careers.
