Students Must Reflect On Erosion In Human Relations, Values: Prof. Haragopal
The social activist pointed out that justice has been the core principle of Balagopal, who wanted to firmly establish his concept of equality in society and parity between men and women.
WARANGAL: Renowned sociologist, educationist, and social activist Prof. G. Haragopal has asked students to reflect on the gradual erosion of human relations and social values, pointing out that values were crucial to human development and an integral part of civilisation.
Prof. Haragopal delivered the keynote address of the 16th Dr. K. Balagopal Memorial Lecture on “The Relevance of Balagopal’s Writings” of the Senate Hall of Kakatiya University on Thursday. Vice chancellor Prof. K. Pratap Reddy presided over the programme.
After paying floral tributes to Dr. Balagopal’s portrait, Prof. Haragopal underlined that when values, human relations, and social justice are under question, writings of Balagopal will always become the guiding force for the society.
The social activist pointed out that justice has been the core principle of Balagopal, who wanted to firmly establish his concept of equality in society and parity between men and women. He wanted rights to be viewed not only from an individual perspective, but also from the social perspective, with human rights being the universal standard.
Prof. Haragopal called upon students to maintain a balance between theory and practice. Every student should ask, “What can I do for society?” He recalled that Balagopal had set aside even his professional life to work for the welfare of the society.
Hyderabad-based IT professional and Human Rights Forum activist Talla Rohit said Dr. K. Balagopal had laid the foundation for protecting human rights four decades ago, analysing welfare and development from different perspectives.
Rohit recalled Balagopal’s emphasis on welfare not being charity but a right of every citizen. He stressed on the need to protect this right. Balagopal also wanted protection of livelihoods and dignity of people displaced by development projects. The present generation needs to learn more about Balagopal’s writings and ideas, the HRF activist underlined.
Former National Assessment and Accreditation Council director Prof. V.S. Prasad said Balagopal had been an exemplary human rights activist who inspired people across sections and fields. He disclosed that Balagopal’s writings and speeches are being compiled and published in the form of a book.
Vice chancellor Prof. Pratap Reddy said the Kakatiya University has organised 16 memorial lectures in his name so far, inviting eminent personalities and representatives of various organisations from across the country. He asked students to make use of these opportunities to understand Balagopal’s ideas and contributions.