This year, the celebrations were marked by a visit to the SANTI Child Care Centre, an orphanage located in Ranibandh, Rajgangpur, Sundargarh, Odisha. Founded in 2012, the SANTI Child Care Centre has served as a sanctuary for orphaned children, providing a safe home and educational support for 24 young residents. Despite ongoing financial challenges, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the centre continues to operate with the support of local community members and well-wishers.

Spending time with the children of SANTI Child Care Centre brought immense joy to the NHRO and IHRC teams, who were warmly received by the centre’s residents. Speaking on behalf of NHRO, President Md Naushad, who is also a dedicated volunteer for IHRC, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to supporting children and vulnerable populations. “Our team is dedicated to aiding those in need, especially the poor and underprivileged,” he stated. “We are grateful for the opportunity to bring happiness to these children and reaffirm our commitment to their well-being.”

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, the centre has faced severe funding challenges, as many donors who previously contributed have been unable to continue their support. Despite these difficulties, the orphanage has been sustained through the generosity of the local community and dedicated volunteers. The centre’s staff remain hopeful that increased awareness and future donations will enable them to provide uninterrupted care and educational opportunities for these children.

IHRC and NHRO’s involvement in this initiative underscores their ongoing commitment to human rights and the welfare of children. As President Naushad noted, “There is much work to be done, and we are steadfast in our mission to support the rights and well-being of every child.” This Children’s Day celebration serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of community-based organisations and the critical role they play in shaping a better future for vulnerable children.

For those interested in supporting the SANTI Child Care Centre, contributions can make a meaningful impact in the lives of these children, helping to provide them with the education, health care, and stability they deserve.

Reported:
Md Naushad
IHRC Volunteer

The post Celebrating Children’s Day with Compassion and Commitment first appeared on ihrc.news.

In response to these challenges, the IHRC team, led by Mahendra Singh, a volunteer of the International Human Rights Commission, together with Bethel Sangati Welfare Society, took measures to improve the road infrastructure for the benefit of the local community. “We are very grateful for this beautiful and joyful day. It is a significant help to the residents, and we are glad we could contribute to it.” – said Mahendra Singh. This initiative not only addressed an urgent problem but also demonstrated how collective action can make a difference in people’s lives.

Other IHRC volunteers were also present on-site, discussing with residents how future initiatives could further improve local living conditions. “We thank the Lord for giving us the opportunity to work with the International Human Rights Commission.” – added Bishop Dr. H.E. Samsher Khan, IHRC Peace Ambassador, MNVC SMM IHRC.

Special mention was made of the support provided by Honourable Prof. h.c. Rafal Marcin WASIK Secretary General, Chairperson IHRC Group, Peacemaker, and Daniel Blaszczyk Master Volunteers Coordinator – MVC SMM IHRC, Ambassador at Large. 

Their dedication and invaluable assistance ensured the success of the initiative. Bishop Dr. H.E. Samsher Khan also expressed his gratitude for the support provided by the entire IHRC team, which played a crucial role in the successful completion of this endeavour.

At the end of the day, the IHRC team, Bethel Sangati Welfare Society, and gathered residents expressed hope that this initiative would inspire further collective efforts to improve living conditions in the region. “We thank everyone who participated in this action, as well as the Lord for giving us the opportunity to serve our residents.” – concluded Bishop Samsher Khan.

Reported:
Dawid Szablowski
Head of IHRC Press Department

The post Improving Road Infrastructure in Gauhaniya District, India first appeared on ihrc.news.

During this visit, both leaders acknowledged the strong and longstanding ties between their countries and highlighted the enduring bonds of friendship between their peoples. Recognising the need to unlock the full potential of their bilateral relations, they took a major step forward by elevating the partnership to the status of a “Strategic Partnership.”

The Prime Ministers underscored that shared values, such as democracy, freedom, and adherence to a rules-based international order, form the core of their deepening bilateral relationship. They also reaffirmed their commitment to furthering cooperation at bilateral, regional, and global levels, aiming to contribute to a more stable, prosperous, and sustainable world.

As part of this strengthened partnership, both countries agreed to maintain regular contact between their foreign ministers and offer mutual support in international forums. The leaders also committed to an annual political dialogue at the deputy minister level, which will ensure ongoing assessment of cooperation and address international challenges.

Mutual trade and investment relations are another key element of the new partnership. Poland and India have committed to strengthening cooperation in sectors such as advanced technologies, agriculture, food technologies, energy, green technologies, infrastructure, smart cities, pharmaceuticals, and mining. The goal is to foster sustainable bilateral trade and facilitate economic exchange and investment. Regular meetings of the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation (JCEC) will play a significant role in this process, while also helping to build supply chain resilience and ensure economic security.

Another important aspect is cooperation on sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies, including the promotion of cleaner energy approaches such as clean coal technologies. As part of this collaboration, both countries will develop advanced mining systems and innovative technologies. Additionally, an agreement is planned for cooperation in the safe and sustainable use of outer space.

The significance of transport and communication in the context of international cooperation was not overlooked. Poland and India decided to develop joint infrastructure projects and expand air connectivity, further enhancing economic and tourism cooperation between the two nations.

During the meeting, the two leaders jointly condemned terrorism in all its forms. They pledged to intensify efforts to combat the financing and support of terrorism, ensuring that no form of support for individuals or groups involved in such activities would be tolerated. Cooperation in cybersecurity was also highlighted, including information sharing, joint legislative and operational actions to prevent cyberattacks, and education and awareness-building initiatives.

Healthcare cooperation was another key focus. Both countries agreed to exchange information and expertise while strengthening contacts between health experts. These efforts aim to improve the healthcare systems in both Poland and India.

Culture and people-to-people ties remain essential elements of the partnership. Both sides committed to supporting artistic, scientific, and linguistic exchanges between cultural institutions and promoting the Student Exchange Program. Cultural events, including festivals celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Poland and India, are planned. Additionally, tourism cooperation, aimed at increasing the flow of tourists between the two countries, will further strengthen people-to-people connections.

In the context of relations with the European Union, Poland and India agreed to support the conclusion of trade and investment negotiations between India and the EU. A key element of this cooperation will be the launch of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), aimed at enhancing cooperation in trade, technology, and security. Furthermore, the implementation of the India-EU Connectivity Partnership will help strengthen strategic ties between India and the European Union.

The meeting between the heads of government of Poland and India marks a key moment in the history of their bilateral relations. The strategic partnership agreements signed for 2024-2028 cover a wide range of cooperation, from politics and security to trade, healthcare, and culture, providing a solid foundation for further strengthening and developing these relations on the international stage.

Dawid Szablowski
Head of IHRC Press Department

The post 70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations Between Poland and India: A New Strategic Partnership for 2024-2028 first appeared on ihrc.news.

Uttrakhand: Celebrations at Sahara Christian Academy
Under the leadership of Rev. R. Stephan Diyali, Zonal Volunteer Coordinator IHRC in Uttarakhand, the celebrations took place at Sahara Christian Academy in Joshiyara, Uttarkashi. The event was attended by children and adults alike, who enthusiastically participated in the Independence Day celebrations, recalling the historic event of 1947. The programme, full of joy and patriotism, highlighted the value of freedom and human rights. The meeting also discussed the role of the IHRC in promoting these values. Participants were informed about opportunities to support local communities in protecting human rights.

Delhi: Celebrations organised by Rev. Kailash Kuriya
Celebration in Delhi, organised by Rev. Kailash Kuriya Zonal Volunteer Coordinator IHRC and Madhu Kuriya Official Volunteer IHRC, brought the local community together to celebrate the country’s independence. The programme, as in other parts of India, aimed to promote human rights and educate about the work of the IHRC. The event helped to create awareness about the protection of human rights and opportunities to support those in need.

Uttar Pradesh: Celebrations in Mau
In Mau, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, celebrations were organised by Bishop Radha Krishna Zonal Volunteer Coordinator IHRC for the region. During the event, which brought together a large number of local people, participants celebrated India’s independence and learned about opportunities to support human rights activities in their region. The programme aimed to strengthen community ties and highlight the value of working together for community development.

Haryana: Community support action
In Haryana, under the leadership of Rev. Mehar Chand Official Volunteer organised a celebration that was combined with a community outreach campaign. Following the programme, around 150 people were provided with meals and refreshments. This event was not only an opportunity to celebrate Independence Day, but also to help those in need, reinforcing IHRC efforts to build a more just society.

Delhi: Event in Devli, Khanpur
Another elebration in the capital Delhi, under the chairmanship of Rev. Dr. Santosh Swain Zonal Volunteer Coordinator, an event was held at Devli, Khanpur. They brought together a large number of participants, both children and adults, to celebrate India’s independence. The celebrations were also an opportunity to highlight the role IHRC plays in protecting human rights in India. The programme aimed to educate on promoting peace and human rights and support for those in need.

India’s Independence Day celebrations, organised by the International Human Rights Commission, were not only an opportunity to commemorate the historic event of 1947, but also to highlight the importance of values such as freedom and human rights. Celebrations in various states brought local communities together to celebrate and learn how to support efforts to protect human rights.

Each of the ceremony chairs expressed their thankfulness for the support provided by key IHRC leaders, including IHRC Secretary General Prof.H.C. Rafal Marcin Wasik, H.E. Jaroslaw Tatarowski (MVC). Bishop H.E. Samsher Khan, IHRC Peace Ambassador and IHRC Special Editor for Asia, highlighting their commitment to promoting human rights and peace in India. These events not only celebrated India’s independence, but also helped strengthen IHRC’s efforts to build a more just and informed society.

Reported:
Dawid Szablowski
Head of IHRC Press Department

The post India’s Independence Day Celebrations in 2024 first appeared on ihrc.news.