Bhubaneswar: Hindalco Industries Limited on Friday organised a national-level Human Rights Sensitization Conference where policymakers, jurists, corporate leaders and civil society representatives from across the country came together for deliberations on rights-based development and ethical governance.
The conference, held at the Mayfair Convention here in collaboration with Human Rights Front, saw diverse stakeholders building a common and deeper understanding of human rights standards across industries.
The inaugural session featured Dr Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC); Justice Bimala Prasad Das, former chairperson of Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC); Asim Amitabh Das, former Member of OHRC; Dr Nibedita Nath, vice-chancellor of Maa Manikeswari University, Kalahandi; Samik Basu, Chief Human Resources Officer of Hindalco.
Hindalco senior president and chief legal officer V R Shankar and president (HR) T M Prakash, the conference convener, were also present.
Delivering the keynote address, Basu emphasised the importance of embedding human rights values in corporate governance and development initiatives. “At Hindalco, respect for human rights is fundamental to how we operate. Anchored in our values of integrity, commitment and seamlessness, we remain dedicated to building safe, inclusive and responsible workplaces. Safety and well-being lie at the core of our people philosophy, and this conference reinforces our belief that sustainable growth is only possible when dignity and care for every individual guide every decision.”
The conference featured three thematic panel discussions, addressing key human rights issues.
The first panel discussion on ‘Rights-Based Development: Advancing Equity, Inclusion and Institutional Accountability’, was moderated by senior journalist and former BBC bureau chief Sandeep Sahu. The panel included Prof. (Dr) Kumarbar Das, former vice-chancellor of FM University; V R Shankar; Jagadananda, former state information commissioner; Dr Kalpana Mallick, member of Odisha State Commission for Women; Dr Debasish Mahapatra, associate professor and head of the Centre for Social Research & Innovation at KIIT University.
The second panel discussion examined ‘Corporate Responsibility and ESG’, focusing on ethical business practices and compliance with national and global human rights standards.
The session was moderated by Nageswar Pattanaik, former bureau chief of The Economic Times, with the panelists being Pratul Narayan, Associate Director – ESG Advisory; Dr Justice D P Choudhury, former judge of Orissa High Court; Dr Rina Routray, chairperson of Mahila Atmanirvar Abhiyan; Dr Ambika Prasad Nanda, mentor at the Centre for Research & Community Action.
The final panel discussion addressed ‘Labour Codes and Human Rights: Balancing Ease of Doing Business with Worker Protection’, and was moderated by Ganga C Sharma, MD & CEO of Cetizion Verifica Pvt. Ltd. The panel featured K N Gopinath, national secretary of CITU; Daniel Umi, South Asia head of Aide et Action; Girish Chandra Arya, all-India secretary of BMS; Dr Ashok Kumar Sahu, former executive director (H&A) of NALCO.
The conference recognised several human rights defenders for their contributions in promoting social justice.
The valedictory session included Sitansu Mohan Dwibedy, chairman of Odisha State Bar Council; Namrata Chadha, former member of Odisha State Commission for Women; Basudeb Bhatta, president of Odisha Abhibhabak Mahasangha; Dr Supriya Pattanayak, vice-chancellor of Centurion University and T M Prakash.
