A comprehensive legal awareness programme was conducted in Sri Vijaya Puram on December 10 to mark International Human Rights Day, bringing together PRAYAS (JAC), the Andaman & Nicobar State Legal Services Authority and the District Legal Services Authority for an initiative aimed at deepening understanding of constitutional safeguards among trainee teachers. The event, held at Tagore Government College of Education, centred on promoting legal literacy as an essential tool in nurturing informed, responsible and rights-aware citizens.
The programme opened in the presence of members of the judiciary and representatives from the education sector, who highlighted the importance of empowering future teachers with a working understanding of human rights principles. Organisers underscored that trainee teachers, who will go on to shape classroom environments and influence young minds, must be equipped with knowledge of constitutional protections, fundamental freedoms and mechanisms that safeguard individual rights. The session aligned with the broader theme of Human Rights Day, which stresses universality and the collective responsibility of societies to uphold rights enshrined in national and international frameworks.
Speakers from the State and District Legal Services Authorities addressed the gathering, drawing attention to the indivisibility of human rights and the need for consistent legal awareness at all levels of society. The dignitaries elaborated on constitutional provisions that ensure equality, personal liberty and protection from discrimination, linking these rights to India’s democratic fabric. They also focused on the institutional mechanisms available for legal assistance, particularly for vulnerable groups, emphasising the role of legal services institutions in bridging gaps between citizens and justice systems.
The event placed strong emphasis on the role of educators in promoting rights-based awareness. Officials pointed out that classrooms often serve as the earliest spaces where children engage with ideas of fairness, dignity and justice. By equipping trainee teachers with legal literacy, the initiative sought to reinforce the idea that human rights education is not limited to textbooks but extends to daily interactions, classroom practices and the general school environment. Participants were encouraged to view their future roles not just as academic instructors but as facilitators of democratic values.
Representatives from PRAYAS (JAC), led by the organisation’s regional head and advisor, collaborated closely with the college faculty to coordinate the session. The involvement of PRAYAS added a community-focused dimension to the programme, blending academic engagement with field-level perspectives on rights awareness. The organisers noted that the presence of legal experts and educators together created an interactive environment where trainee teachers could seek clarifications, engage in dialogue and gain exposure to practical aspects of legal frameworks.
The programme also highlighted how legal literacy contributes to social empowerment by enabling individuals to understand their rights, identify violations and navigate legal remedies. Organisers explained that awareness of legal entitlements strengthens community resilience and supports democratic participation, especially in regions where geographical isolation can limit access to resources. The session, while academic in nature, was structured to ensure participants could relate legal principles to real-world contexts, particularly within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The Human Rights Day initiative at TGCE reflected an expanding emphasis on rights education within the islands, mirroring national efforts to deepen public engagement with constitutional values. By focusing on trainee teachers, the organisers targeted a group capable of influencing generations of students, thereby magnifying the long-term impact of the programme. Participants described the session as a timely reminder of the wider responsibilities carried by educators in society.
The event concluded with a reiteration of the need for sustained legal awareness programmes across institutions and communities to ensure that human rights principles remain accessible and actionable. Through collaborative efforts involving educational institutions, legal authorities and civil society organisations, the programme aimed to build a stronger foundation for informed citizenship and active participation in democratic processes in the islands. The initiative, held on the occasion of Human Rights Day, reinforced the message that awareness and education continue to be essential pillars in safeguarding individual rights and strengthening community well-being.
