From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Margao
 
Panaji, Dec 10: International Human Rights Day was observed by students and environmental enthusiasts on December 10, 2009 at Lohia Maidan, Margao. Young students offered floral tributes to the martyrs and the statue of Ram Manohar Lohia. Four students from Presentation Convent, Manovikas, Vidya Vikas Mandir and Damodar Higher Secondary spoke on various issues of human rights randing from child labour to environmental concerns.

The gathering than proceeded in a public rally around Margao's city centre. Students carried interesting placards and posters made on the theme of Human Rights Day. They marched to the singing of the human rights anthem - "we shall overcome" and its Indian version , 'Hum Honge Kamyab'. The rally culminated back at Lohia Maidan and students presented their various posters. Teacher, Ramesh Gawas and Siddharth Karapurkar addressed the students. The program concluded with a Human Rights Day pledge read out by Pravin Sabnis.

Dilip Hegde, Sandeep Azrencar, Anthony D'Silva, Devidas Gaokar, Rama Velip, Motes Antao, Swati Kerkar, Ibinio D'Souza and others were present on the occasion. The program was organized by Nisarga Nature Club and supported by Goenchea Xetkarancho Ekvott (Goa Farmers' Unity) and Goa Federation of Mines Affected People (GOAMAP).