Patna: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Special Monitor Prof Kanhaiya Tripathi visited the Indian Institute of Technology Patna (IIT Patna) on Saturday and suggested establishing a dedicated Human Rights Cell and a Human Rights Students’ Club at the institute.
He also proposed organising a Human Rights Innovation Fest to encourage students, researchers and technology experts to develop solutions to human-rights-related challenges.
Review Of Human Rights Mechanisms
During the visit, Prof Tripathi reviewed arrangements related to human rights, grievance redressal, gender sensitivity and other sensitive issues at IIT Patna.
He stressed the importance of gender equality and inclusivity and called for concrete initiatives concerning LGBTQ communities.
Prof Tripathi also highlighted cybersecurity as an important aspect of human rights and institutional responsibility. He emphasised the need to strengthen awareness, training and technological capabilities in cybersecurity.
He suggested exploring technology-based solutions to serious social challenges, including human trafficking, particularly trafficking of women. He also proposed developing a dedicated mobile application to support efforts in this area.
Focus On Innovation And Research
Prof Tripathi encouraged IIT Patna to promote research and innovation focused on human rights and explore patenting useful technological solutions.
The proposed Human Rights Innovation Fest would provide a platform for students, researchers and technology experts to work on technology-driven solutions to human-rights challenges.
He praised IIT Patna’s progress in education, research and innovation, noting the institute’s contribution to the development of Bihar and the country.
IIT Patna To Institute Four Awards
During the programme, IIT Patna Director Prof T. N. Singh announced that the institute would institute four awards to recognise students, faculty and staff who make notable contributions to the field of human rights.
Prof Singh said awareness of human rights was a collective responsibility and called upon members of the institute community to understand their rights and help create awareness in society.
Presentation On Institute Initiatives
At the beginning of the programme, Dr Sandan Kumar Sharma presented an overview of IIT Patna’s academic and administrative activities.
The presentation covered student welfare initiatives, women’s resource and grievance redressal mechanisms, infrastructure, security, sports and healthcare facilities, placements, implementation of the National Education Policy and other initiatives undertaken by the institute.
The programme was organised by Dr Dinesh Kotnies, Associate Dean, Faculty Affairs.
Prof T. N. Singh welcomed and felicitated Prof Tripathi by presenting him with a bouquet, memento and institute stole. Prof A. K. Thakur, Registrar, along with faculty and staff members and the Students’ Gymkhana team, attended the programme.
Visit To C V Raman Hostel
Towards the end of the visit, Prof Tripathi visited the C V Raman Hostel, where he inspected the sports facilities and mess.
He also interacted with students to understand their experiences, assess available facilities and hear their suggestions.
The programme concluded with a group photograph.
