PRESENT HANGING FROM PAST:
STORY OF INIDA
-By JASWINDAR SINGH GILL
When we take just a brief overview of Human Rights, one would find these rights very basic and even a thought might emerge that why do we need set of guidelines or rules for something so basic. Now try to think from past, are these rights been enjoyed by everyone? In Indian history you would find a time, even closer, a situation where even these basic rights are being violated.
Let’s just start with the basics. How are we able to discuss these points? EDUCATION RIGHT! People who are uneducated might don’t even know that they have some basic rights as a Citizen of India. Here you would see that someone can easily toy with their rights due to lack of education which is a right itself. But what about when there was no constitution. A time when people could not live their life with dignity.
UNTOUCHABILITY:
Untouchability is a form of social discrimination that has historically existed in India, in which people belonging to certain castes, known as "untouchables" or Dalits, have been considered to be outside of the traditional caste system and deemed impure, polluting, and socially inferior.
B.R. Ambedkar was a prominent social reformer, politician, and scholar who played a key role in advocating for the rights of Dalits in India. Born into a Dalit family himself, Ambedkar faced discrimination and social exclusion throughout his life. He became an advocate for social justice and human rights, dedicating his life to the fight against untouchability and caste discrimination.
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His efforts were instrumental in raising awareness about the injustices faced by Dalits and inspiring social and political change in India. He continues to be a symbol of hope and inspiration for many marginalized communities in India and beyond.
Right To Equality
This right guarantees that all individuals are treated equally and without discrimination, regardless of their sex, gender, caste, religion, or any other characteristic.
The Constitution of India enshrines the right to equality in its Article 14, which states that "the State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India." This provision has been interpreted by the Indian judiciary to mean that all individuals are entitled to equal treatment and opportunities in all spheres of life, including education, employment, and politics.
With regards to men and women, the right to equality means that both genders should be treated equally in all aspects of life. This includes access to education, employment, healthcare, and participation in political and social life. It also means that men and women should have equal pay for equal work and should be protected from discrimination and harassment based on their gender.
Despite constitutional guarantees and legal protections, however, gender discrimination and inequality persist in India and many other countries. There is a need for continued efforts to raise awareness, promote gender equality, and ensure that men and women are treated as equal members of society in all aspects of life.
References-
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Untouchability - Wikipedia
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Fundamental rights in India - Wikipedia
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He played a significant role in drafting the Indian Constitution, which abolished untouchability and provided for affirmative action measures for Dalits and other marginalized communities. He also led several movements for the rights of Dalits, including the Mahad Satyagraha in 1927, which aimed to secure the right of Dalits to access public water sources, and the Poona Pact in 1932, which ensured separate electorates for Dalits.