JAIPUR: The

(MSA), a century-old

, running

in the country, has submitted a module on

to the

, to be implemented in government schools across the state.

The MSA is running the same module in its schools and colleges and has expressed that such a module is required to bring about tolerance, harmony and cohesion in the society. No state university offers a course on human rights, which has been introduced by many leading institutes in the country. The contents of the module are drawn from day-to-day instances such as attack on freedom of speech, communal tensions, caste conflicts, atrocities on women, child abuse etc.

“Such incidents happen in every corner of our society but we tend to ignore them due to our ignorance of the rights and duties granted to us by our constitution. The aim of this programme is to evoke a sense of ownership, activism and compassion for fellow Indians,” said Geeta Carol, of MSA who has designed the course in collaboration with the Sasvika and the

headquartered in Madurai.

The module contains stories taken from day-to-day life, for better understanding of human rights. A story on how a married woman is subjected to harassment for dowry, but remains silent due to ignorance of the basic rights and laws safeguarding her. “The story teaches that if the in-laws or even neighbours turn a blind eye to the atrocities on the woman, that is tantamount to the violation of her human rights by them,” said Carol.

Examples of a child working in a tea stall is a common sight for all but very few realise that it is not only a criminal offence but also the collective failure of the society to save the child from working as a labourer.

Highlighting the importance of this module, Sister Roselene, principal of St. Sophia School said, “Sensitizing students about respecting each others’ rights that are enshrined in the constitution, is a solution to most of our problems. I have noticed that after the module is completed, it brings a positive change in the students, as they become more receptive to the social causes and sensitive towards problems around us.”

The delegation of MSA had also reached out to then governor Margaret Alwa in 2011 for implementing this course.