The Department of Political Science and Human Rights at Jamia Hamdard organized a pivotal educational field visit to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to enhance students’ understanding of the institutional mechanisms protecting human rights. This initiative aimed at offering students an immersive experience of the operational dynamics of one of India’s premier human rights watchdogs.
On Wednesday, approximately 45 students from the department, coordinated by esteemed faculty members Dr. Faisal Mahmood and Dr. Shazia Parveen, embarked on this enlightening excursion. The visit was meticulously designed to familiarize the students with the NHRC’s structure, its multifaceted functions, and the intricate processes involved in human rights investigations.
The highlight of the visit was an interactive session led by senior officers of the NHRC, spearheaded by JS Sh D.K. Nim. This session was not merely an exercise in theoretical exposition; rather, it served as a vibrant exchange of ideas and information. The officers provided a comprehensive overview of the various human rights dimensions, shedding light on the Commission’s pivotal role in upholding these rights within the Indian context.
A key component of the session was the detailed explanation of the NHRC’s Complaints Management System. This system is a cornerstone of the Commission’s efforts to address human rights violations effectively. The students were given an in-depth understanding of how complaints are received, processed, and investigated. The officers emphasized the importance of a robust complaints management system in ensuring accountability and justice for victims of human rights abuses.
The interactive nature of the session allowed students to engage directly with the senior officers, posing questions and seeking clarifications on various aspects of the Commission’s work. This engagement not only enriched the students’ knowledge but also provided them with a practical perspective on the challenges and complexities involved in human rights advocacy.
Dr. Faisal Mahmood, one of the coordinators of the visit, remarked on the significance of such educational excursions in bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application. “It is crucial for students of political science and human rights to witness firsthand the workings of institutions like the NHRC. This experience provides them with a real-world context to the theoretical concepts they study in the classroom,” he stated.
Dr. Shazia Parveen echoed these sentiments, highlighting the role of such visits in fostering a deeper commitment to human rights among students. “Our objective is to inspire and equip our students to become effective advocates for human rights. Engaging with institutions like the NHRC is a vital part of this process,” she noted.
The visit concluded with a tour of the NHRC premises, where students observed the various departments in action. They were particularly impressed by the state-of-the-art facilities and the systematic approach employed by the Commission in handling human rights issues.
This educational field visit to the NHRC was a resounding success, leaving an indelible mark on the students. It underscored the importance of experiential learning in higher education and reaffirmed the Department of Political Science and Human Rights at Jamia Hamdard’s commitment to providing its students with opportunities that enhance their academic and professional development.
