Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Sunday said human rights remain paramount for his government and asserted that the state is committed to ensuring equal opportunities, dignity and respect for everyone.

CM Dr Yadav was speaking at an event marking the 32nd foundation day of the Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission (MPHRC) at the RCVP Noronha Academy of Administration and Management in Bhopal on September 13.

The Chief Minister inaugurated the programme by lighting a ceremonial lamp. He also released a thematic souvenir and diary published by the commission. During the event, CM Dr Yadav felicitated officers and employees of the Tribal Affairs Department who had performed exceptionally during the ‘Sadhana Week’ organised under the Mission Karmayogi initiative, presenting them with certificates of appreciation.

‘We are all equal, and so are our rights’

Reflecting on the commission’s 32-year journey, CM Dr Yadav highlighted its motto; “We are all equal, and our rights are equal.”

He said the principle of equality had existed in India’s Sanatan tradition since ancient times. Referring to the Vedic expression “Yat pinde tat brahmande”, meaning that the individual and the universe reflect each other, the Chief Minister said the philosophy underlined the belief that what exists within one person also exists within another.

CM Dr Yadav said this sentiment extended beyond human beings to nature as a whole. Referring to the traditional belief of 8.4 million life forms, he said human life represents a unique opportunity, after which one’s actions determine the path ahead.

‘Unfortunate to remain trapped in a mindset of slavery’

The Chief Minister said the world was increasingly recognising India and its distinctive characteristics, adding that the protection of human rights had assumed greater importance on the basis of democratic values.

Targeting the Congress, CM Dr Yadav alleged that people who had kept the country in subjugation were glorified during Congress rule. He said the names of such figures were used by governments for roads despite their alleged role in what he described as a humiliating chapter in India’s history.

‘Equal respect and opportunities for everyone’

CM Dr Yadav also referred to the challenge of Naxalism in Balaghat, saying the state had witnessed the difficulties created by Naxal activities. He alleged that political considerations prevented action against such elements for a long time.

The Chief Minister said several countries were currently witnessing a negative atmosphere and claimed that while some continued to speak about human rights, they also considered their own interests.

He praised Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, saying the Centre had sought to protect Indian citizens on humanitarian grounds while also providing medicines to other countries. CM Dr Yadav said the principle of “live and let live” had thereby been reaffirmed at a global level.

“Our government is committed to providing equal opportunities, respect and dignity to everyone with this resolve,” he said.