India is the world's largest democracy. We greatly value human rights. We were among the earliest adherents of the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We have had an unblemished record of acceding to numerous international conventions relating to human rights, as also of abiding by the letter and spirit of our commitments. The detailing of these human rights lies at the very foundation of our Constitution.

However, there is no denying that there has grown a yawning gap between our intentions, on the one hand, and ground realities, on the other. Not only are violations rampant, there is so little general awareness of human rights and duties that these have become the preserve of the privileged few. The general mass of our people is inadequately informed and, therefore, not sufficiently protected. It is also not in any real position to rectify errors or secure the prosecution and punishment of offenders. Thus, to a disturbing extent, both human rights and duties remain on paper.

To generate awareness of, and thus to regenerate respect and faith for human rights in the country at large, we decided in March 1999 to establish a Human Rights Department in the AICC under the chairmanship of the distinguished legal luminary and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Justice Ranganath Mishra.

As far as I am aware, the Congress is the first political party not only in India but anywhere in the World to have established such a department. This casts on us the duty and responsibility of behaving at all levels in consonance with the provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It also casts on each one of us the responsibility for taking remedial measures against violations of human rights.

Indeed, the Declaration itself provides that "every individual and every organ of society, keeping the Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and educating to promote respect for these rights and freedom by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance."

The mandate, therefore, is that every individual and organisation must work for the promotion of a culture of a human rights so as to ensure that these rights become a way of life. That, in fact, would be the best guarantee of adherence to the prescriptions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

While the full enforcement of human rights is important for the full development of the citizen, it is as important that we are not only aware of our duties but are also prepared to perform them. Article 29 of the Declaration states that "everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible." It is, therefore, necessary that a fine balance be maintained between Rights and Duties.

Through the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution, brought in by Indiraji's government in 1976, Article 51A was added to the Constitution setting out in ten telling clauses the Fundamental Duties of the citizen. If every citizen diligently performs his or her duties, a synergy would be set up through which duties would generate rights and rights, duties. It is such a symbiotic relationship, which alone can generate lasting harmony and happiness in society.

It is heartening to learn that in the few months since its inception, the Department has established several state and district units. The Department's endeavour is to reach every village, however remote. This will equip the Congress to be alert to any violation of human rights so that Congressmen agitate for justice through awareness-building seminars, rallies and demonstrations, action in the legislatures, petitions to the National and State Human Rights Commissions, and suits in the courts.

The themes chosen for the four sessions of this National Convention appear to be most appropriate. I expect the participants will benefit immensely through your deliberations. Please keep me informed of the outcome. The final session, which is an in-house session, will, I am sure, benefit managers of the Department at the state level."