Rehabilitation is a Human Right: PVCHR Honours Torture Survivors and Strengthens the Movement for Justice

 

On the occasion of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture (26 June), Human Rights Jan Nigrani Samiti (People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights – PVCHR), with the support of the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT), organized programmes in Koderma, Jharkhand, and Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, reaffirming that rehabilitation is a legal and human right of torture survivors—not charity.

The programmes brought together torture survivors, community leaders, human rights defenders, children, youth volunteers, and local citizens to honour the resilience of survivors and strengthen collective action for justice, dignity, and rehabilitation.

Honouring Torture Survivors in Koderma

At Dhwajadhari Dham, Sar Lok Vidyalaya, Koderma, Human Rights Jan Nigrani Samiti (PVCHR) organized a felicitation ceremony to honour 22 survivors of torture and other human rights violations from different parts of the district.

The programme was chaired by Omkar Vishwakarma, National Convener of Human Rights Jan Nigrani Samiti (PVCHR). Survivors shared their experiences and renewed their commitment to work together for justice, equality, and the protection of human dignity.

Addressing the gathering, Omkar Vishwakarma emphasized that the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is not merely a symbolic observance but a reminder of society's constitutional and moral responsibility to ensure justice, rehabilitation, and respect for every survivor.

The programme concluded with a collective pledge to strengthen solidarity among torture survivors and continue advocating for their constitutional and legal rights.

The event received wide coverage in local newspapers, helping raise public awareness about the rights of torture survivors.

International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

Date: 27 June 2026

Venue: Mirza Ghalib Centre, Baghwanala, Varanasi

Organized by: Janmitra Nyas (JMN) / People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR)

On 27 June 2026, Janmitra Nyas (JMN) and the People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) organized an awareness programme to commemorate the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The event aimed to raise awareness about torture, cruel and degrading treatment, and the importance of protecting human dignity and human rights.

The programme began with a revolutionary song, followed by a powerful street play titled "Ek Raat Thane" (One Night at the Police Station) performed by the Munshi Premchand Youth Panchayat Group from Baghwanala. The play depicted the story of a 14-year-old boy falsely implicated in a criminal case and subjected to police injustice, highlighting the realities of custodial violence and discrimination against marginalized communities.

Speakers, including Ms. Shruti Nagvanshi (Managing Trustee, JMN), Mr. Dhirendra Sisodia (Social Activist), Mr. Mangla Prasad (Health and Nutrition Specialist), and Mr. Rinku (JMN Accounts Department), discussed various forms of torture beyond physical violence. They emphasized gender discrimination, child labour, denial of education, mental abuse, and bonded labour as serious human rights concerns. The speakers called for greater public awareness, equal treatment, access to education, and respect for human dignity.

Ms. Shruti Nagvanshi engaged participants—especially children and adolescents—in an interactive discussion on violence, police accountability, and gender equality. She also shared a recent case of forced child labour, illustrating how exploitation and deprivation of freedom continue to violate basic human rights.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Jyoti, who encouraged participants to engage in future online learning sessions organized by ADORE.

A total of 52 participants attended the programme. The event successfully strengthened participants' understanding that torture is not limited to physical abuse but also includes psychological, social, economic, and gender-based violence. It reinforced the values of human rights, equality, justice, and dignity.

Rehabilitation is a Constitutional and Human Right

Human Rights Jan Nigrani Samiti (PVCHR) reiterated that rehabilitation is not an act of charity but a legal entitlement grounded in both Indian and international law.

The legal foundation includes:

• Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. The Supreme Court has consistently interpreted this provision to include the right to live with dignity, making rehabilitation an essential component of justice for victims of serious human rights violations.
• The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, under which the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has the mandate to recommend relief and rehabilitation for victims of human rights violations.
• India's ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which recognizes the right to rehabilitation and support services for persons who acquire disabilities, including disabilities resulting from torture and other forms of violence.

Together, these legal frameworks affirm that torture survivors have a right to rehabilitation, medical and psychological support, social reintegration, and access to justice.

Supporting Torture Survivors

Since April 2026, PVCHR, with the support of the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT), has provided rehabilitation support to 35 survivors of torture.

The initiative includes:

• Documentation of torture cases.
• Legal assistance.
• Psychological and psychosocial support.
• Medical referrals.
• Community-based rehabilitation.
• Human rights education.
• Advocacy for compensation, accountability, and justice.

The programme aims to restore dignity, empower survivors, and strengthen community solidarity.

Formation of a Survivor Alliance

As part of its continuing efforts, PVCHR will organize a Survivor Alliance Meeting on 11 August 2026 in Varanasi in memory of Late Anil Chaudhury, a committed human rights defender whose work inspired countless survivors.

The Survivor Alliance will provide a platform where survivors can:

• Share experiences and support one another.
• Strengthen collective advocacy.
• Promote rehabilitation as a legal right.
• Demand accountability for torture.
• Build survivor-led leadership for justice and human rights.

The Alliance seeks to ensure that survivors become leaders of change rather than remaining passive recipients of assistance.

Building a Torture-Free Society

The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture reminds us that justice is incomplete without rehabilitation. Ending torture requires not only accountability for perpetrators but also comprehensive support that enables survivors to reclaim their dignity, rebuild their lives, and participate fully in society.

Human Rights Jan Nigrani Samiti (People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights – PVCHR) remains committed to working with survivors, communities, public institutions, and international partners to promote justice, rehabilitation, and respect for human dignity.

"Rehabilitation is not charity—it is a constitutional, legal, and human right."

Organized by:

People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights – PVCHR

Supported by:

International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT)

Upcoming Event:

Survivor Alliance Meeting

11 August 2026 | Varanasi

In memory of Late Shri Anil Chaudhury

 Empowering Young Minds Through Free Online Learning: A Growing Partnership Between Jan Mitra Nyas and ADORE

Date: 24 June 2026

Jan Mitra Nyas is delighted to share the successful progress of our collaboration with ADORE, an organization committed to providing quality online education through dedicated volunteers.

Following the signing of our Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), we completed the student registration process and enrolled students from Classes 5 to 12, along with college students pursuing B.A. degrees. The response from the community has been overwhelming, and the number of participating students continues to grow.

Today's Learning Sessions

On 24 June 2026, a total of 13 students actively participated in ADORE's online classes. Three different sessions were conducted simultaneously:

• English Speaking
• Science
• Mathematics

Both school students and senior students attended the sessions with great enthusiasm. The classes were interactive, engaging, and highly appreciated by the participants.

Positive Feedback from Students

Before the classes began, we asked the students about their learning experience so far. Their response was very encouraging:

"The classes are very good. We understand everything that our teachers explain, and we enjoy learning online."

Such feedback motivates us to continue expanding this educational initiative.

Community Interest is Growing

During today's sessions, two parents from the local community visited our learning centre to inquire about enrolling their children. One of them was a single mother seeking educational support for her child.

Our team explained the free online learning programme and also introduced them to our student sponsorship opportunities. This growing community interest reflects the increasing trust in our educational efforts.

Challenges We Need to Address

As more students join the programme every week, we are facing several infrastructure challenges:

• We need more laptops and computers.
• We require a stronger and more reliable Wi-Fi/internet connection.
• Additional chairs, tables, and seating arrangements are needed to accommodate the increasing number of learners.

These classes are completely FREE for all students, and we are committed to ensuring that no child is denied the opportunity to learn due to financial constraints.

Your Support Can Make a Difference

You can help us provide quality digital education to underserved children and youth by supporting our learning centre with laptops, internet connectivity, furniture, or financial contributions.

Contact Us

📧 Email: pvchr.india@gmail.com

📱 WhatsApp: +91-9935599333

Together, we can bridge the digital divide and ensure that every child has access to quality education and opportunities for a brighter future.

Jan Mitra Nyas remains committed to empowering children and youth through education, technology, and community participation. We sincerely thank ADORE and its volunteers for making this initiative possible and look forward to a long and meaningful partnership.

Lenin Raghuvanshi Joins Advisory Board of Morocco-Based International Peace Organization

https://youthforpeaceint.org/advisory-board/

Varanasi, India – The People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) is pleased to announce that its co-founder, Lenin Raghuvanshi, has been appointed to the Advisory Board of Youth for Peace and Dialogue Between Cultures (YPDC), a Morocco-based international organization dedicated to promoting peace, human rights, intercultural dialogue, and youth leadership worldwide.

Founded in 2005 by peace advocate Zakaria El Hamel, Youth for Peace and Dialogue Between Cultures works to build bridges among communities of diverse cultural, religious, and social backgrounds. The organization promotes understanding, tolerance, and cooperation through dialogue, civic engagement, and youth empowerment initiatives.

Lenin Raghuvanshi's appointment reflects international recognition of his more than three decades of work advancing human rights, social justice, grassroots democracy, and peacebuilding in India. Through PVCHR and its partner initiatives, he has worked tirelessly to challenge caste discrimination, bonded labor, patriarchy, communal violence, and other forms of exclusion affecting marginalized communities.

As a member of the Advisory Board, Raghuvanshi joins a distinguished group of global leaders, diplomats, academics, climate advocates, and human rights defenders committed to fostering a more peaceful and inclusive world. His experience in community-based human rights advocacy and democratic participation will contribute significantly to the organization's global mission.

Reacting to the appointment, Raghuvanshi stated:

"Peace is built when communities come together with dignity, equality, and mutual respect. I am honored to join Youth for Peace and Dialogue Between Cultures and contribute to strengthening global solidarity, intercultural understanding, and youth leadership."

Over the years, Raghuvanshi's efforts have received international recognition, including the Gwangju Human Rights Award, the International Human Rights Award of the City of Weimar, the Human Rights Prize of the French Republic (Special Mention), the Public Peace Prize, and the Global Pluralism Award Honourable Mention. His work continues to inspire movements for justice, inclusion, and human dignity across the world.

PVCHR congratulates Lenin Raghuvanshi on this important international appointment and looks forward to his continued contribution toward building a world founded on peace, pluralism, and respect for human rights.

About PVCHR

The People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) is a grassroots human rights organization founded in Varanasi, India, working to promote human dignity, social justice, democratic participation, and the rights of marginalized communities through advocacy, documentation, education, and community empowerment.

A Proud Moment for Human Rights and Peace

PVCHR warmly congratulates Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi on his induction to the Advisory Board of Youth for Peace and Dialogue Between Cultures, a Morocco-based international organization dedicated to promoting peace, equality, justice, and intercultural dialogue across the world.

This heartfelt congratulatory letter from Advocate Dharm Narain Dubey, Supreme Court of India, recognizes Dr. Raghuvanshi's lifelong commitment to human rights, grassroots democracy, social justice, and community empowerment. It is a tribute not only to his personal dedication but also to the collective efforts of PVCHR in advancing dignity, peace, and inclusive development.

This international recognition reinforces our shared commitment to building a world founded on human rights, dialogue, justice, and compassion.

Together, we continue to strengthen the voices of the marginalized and work towards a more just and peaceful society.

#PVCHR #LeninRaghuvanshi #HumanRights #Peace #SocialJustice #InterculturalDialogue #YouthForPeace #GlobalRecognition #GrassrootsDemocracy #India #Varanasi

How Human Rights Activists Are Changing India? | Dr Lenin Raghuvanshi | Aarti BR Singh

 

Voices of the Voiceless: How Lenin Raghuvanshi is Fighting for Human Rights and Social Change in India

Human Rights Beyond Laws: A Journey of Dignity, Justice, and Hope

Human rights are often discussed in the context of laws, policies, and constitutional guarantees. But at their core, human rights are about something much deeper—human dignity, equality, and the belief that every person deserves to live with respect and freedom.

In a powerful conversation with Aarti B. R. Singh, renowned human rights activist Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi shared his inspiring journey of standing against injustice, empowering marginalized communities, and creating meaningful social change across India. His story is a testament to how one determined voice can spark transformation in the lives of thousands.

The Inspiration Behind a Lifelong Mission

For decades, Lenin Raghuvanshi has dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of those who are often unheard and overlooked. His work emerged from witnessing the harsh realities of caste discrimination, bonded labor, social exclusion, and systemic inequality.

Rather than accepting these injustices as inevitable, he chose to challenge them. This commitment eventually led to the establishment of the People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), an organization focused on restoring dignity, justice, and opportunity to marginalized communities.

His journey demonstrates that social change begins when ordinary people decide that injustice should not be tolerated.

Challenges on the Path to Change

Working for human rights is rarely easy. Throughout his journey, Lenin faced numerous obstacles, including social resistance, deeply rooted prejudices, and opposition from powerful interests benefiting from inequality.

Many communities had lost faith in institutions and struggled to believe that change was possible. Convincing people to stand up for their rights often required patience, trust-building, and long-term engagement.

Despite these challenges, Lenin emphasized that persistence, dialogue, and community participation are essential tools for overcoming barriers and achieving lasting impact.

Empowering Communities Through Awareness

One of the key lessons from Lenin's work is that awareness is empowerment.

Many individuals facing discrimination or exploitation are often unaware of their legal rights and available support systems. Through grassroots education, community meetings, and advocacy campaigns, PVCHR has helped people understand their rights and gain confidence in raising their voices.

When people become aware of their rights, they become active participants in shaping their futures rather than passive victims of injustice.

The Importance of Women's Equality

A significant part of the discussion focused on gender equality and women's rights.

Lenin highlighted that true social progress cannot be achieved without ensuring equal opportunities for women. While society has made considerable progress, many women continue to face discrimination, violence, and unequal access to education and employment.

Achieving gender equality requires collective effort—from families, educational institutions, communities, and policymakers. More importantly, it requires changing mindsets and challenging stereotypes that limit women's potential.

Empowering women ultimately strengthens families, communities, and society as a whole.

Building Trust Within Communities

Social change cannot be imposed from the outside. It must be built with the participation of the people it seeks to serve.

One of the reasons PVCHR has earned credibility over the years is its consistent presence within communities. By listening to people's concerns, respecting local experiences, and working collaboratively, the organization has fostered trust and long-term engagement.

This community-centered approach ensures that solutions are sustainable and responsive to real needs.

Signs of Positive Change

Although many challenges remain, Lenin expressed optimism about the progress that has been achieved.

Greater awareness of human rights, increased participation by marginalized groups, and stronger community networks are creating new opportunities for social transformation. More people today are willing to challenge discrimination and advocate for justice than ever before.

These positive developments demonstrate that change, while gradual, is possible when individuals and communities work together.

The Role of Collective Action

One of the central messages of the conversation was that meaningful change requires collective action.

Governments, civil society organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and citizens all have a role to play in building a more equitable society. Human rights should not be viewed as the responsibility of activists alone—they are a shared responsibility.

Every act of empathy, advocacy, and support contributes to creating a society where dignity and justice are accessible to all.

The PVCHR Story: From Oppression to Hope

The work of PVCHR offers a powerful example of how grassroots initiatives can create lasting impact. Through advocacy, education, rehabilitation, and community empowerment, the organization has helped countless individuals reclaim their rights and rebuild their lives.

Its success demonstrates that sustainable social change is possible when efforts are rooted in compassion, participation, and respect for human dignity.

A Call to Action

Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi's journey reminds us that social transformation begins with awareness and action. Whether through supporting marginalized communities, promoting gender equality, raising awareness, or standing against discrimination, every individual has the power to contribute to positive change.

Human rights are not abstract concepts reserved for legal documents. They are lived realities that affect people's daily lives.

When we choose dignity over discrimination, equality over exclusion, and justice over silence, we help create a future where every voice matters.

Final Thoughts

The conversation with Lenin Raghuvanshi is more than a discussion about human rights—it is a story of resilience, courage, and hope. It highlights the extraordinary impact that committed individuals and empowered communities can have in shaping a more just and inclusive society.

His work serves as a reminder that real change starts when people refuse to remain silent in the face of injustice and choose instead to become voices for those who cannot be heard.

Because when dignity is protected and rights are respected, entire communities can move from oppression to hope.

#LeninRaghuvanshi #HumanRights #SocialJustice #PVCHR #HumanRightsActivist #VoicesOfTheVoiceless #SocialChange #CommunityEmpowerment #Equality #JusticeForAll #DignityForAll #WomenRights #GrassrootsLeadership #ChangeMakers #SocialImpact #HumanDignity #InclusiveSociety #CasteDiscrimination #BondedLabour #RightsAndJustice #India #Podcast #AartiBRSingh #Inspiration #VoicesOfChange #Empowerment #Leadership #CommunityDevelopment #HopeAndChange #JusticeAndEquality

NHRC Reinforces Accountability in Sewer Death Case: Justice for Rajesh Vegad and the Continuing Crisis of Sanitation Workers in India

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken an important step toward accountability and justice in the case of Rajesh Vegad, a sanitation worker from Gujarat who lost his life while cleaning a septic tank in November 2023.

The case originated from a complaint submitted by human rights defender Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi based on a media report published in Navbharat Times on 12 November 2023. The report detailed the tragic death of Rajesh Vegad (45), a sanitation worker employed by the Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation, who died after entering a septic tank at the campus of the Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI), a Government of India institution located in Bhavnagar, Gujarat.

The Incident

According to the Navbharat Times report, municipal workers were cleaning a septic tank using a jetting machine when a laboratory employee entered the tank and became unconscious after inhaling toxic gases. Rajesh Vegad entered the tank in an attempt to rescue him. While he successfully saved the worker, he himself succumbed to the poisonous gases and died from suffocation.

The newspaper report raised critical questions. If mechanized cleaning equipment was available at the site, why was any worker allowed to enter the septic tank? Why were standard safety procedures ignored? Why was protective equipment not used? These questions point to systemic negligence rather than an unavoidable accident.

NHRC's Intervention

Acting on the complaint, the NHRC registered Case No. 1500/6/1/2023 and sought reports from the Government of Gujarat and police authorities.

During the proceedings, the Commission noted that criminal prosecution had been initiated against the responsible persons. However, despite repeated notices, the Government of Gujarat failed to submit the required response through the Chief Secretary.

On 9 September 2025, the NHRC issued a Show Cause Notice to the Chief Secretary of Gujarat under Section 18 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

The Commission observed that the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, in Dr. Balram Singh vs. Union of India, had already fixed compensation for sewer and septic tank deaths at ₹30 lakh. Consequently, the NHRC directed the State Government to explain why compensation should not be paid to the family of the deceased sanitation worker.

Compensation: A Matter of Rights, Not Charity

The NHRC's recommendation of ₹30 lakh (approximately USD 35,000–36,000) is not an act of benevolence. It is recognition of the constitutional responsibility of the State to protect life and dignity.

The compensation serves multiple purposes:

• Recognition of the loss suffered by the family.
• Accountability for institutional negligence.
• Deterrence against future violations.
• Reinforcement of the constitutional guarantee of the Right to Life under Article 21.

However, compensation alone cannot replace a life lost. The larger challenge is preventing such deaths from occurring in the first place.

Why This Case Matters

Rajesh Vegad's death is not an isolated incident. Across India, sanitation workers continue to die in sewers and septic tanks despite:

• The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.
• Repeated Supreme Court directives.
• National and State-level policies promoting mechanized cleaning.
• Availability of modern sanitation technologies.

These deaths reveal a troubling gap between law and implementation.

In many cases, workers from historically marginalized communities continue to perform dangerous sanitation work without adequate safety equipment, training, insurance, or social protection. The persistence of such practices reflects structural discrimination and a failure to uphold the dignity of labour.

Human Rights Perspective

The death of a sanitation worker while performing hazardous work is not merely an occupational accident; it is a human rights violation.

The right to life includes:

• The right to safe working conditions.
• The right to dignity.
• The right to equality before the law.
• The right to protection from preventable harm.

When workers are forced to enter toxic environments without adequate safeguards, these rights are violated.

The Need for Structural Reform

This case should serve as a wake-up call for governments, municipal bodies, research institutions, and private contractors.

Necessary reforms include:

• Complete elimination of manual entry into sewers and septic tanks except in extraordinary circumstances.
• Mandatory use of mechanized cleaning systems.
• Strict criminal accountability for violations.
• Immediate compensation and rehabilitation for affected families.
• Comprehensive insurance coverage for sanitation workers.
• Independent monitoring of compliance with safety standards.

A Significant Step Forward

The NHRC's intervention demonstrates the importance of independent human rights institutions in protecting vulnerable workers. By invoking Supreme Court jurisprudence and demanding accountability from the State Government, the Commission has reaffirmed that sanitation workers' lives matter.

The struggle for dignity, equality, and safe working conditions continues. Justice for Rajesh Vegad must not be limited to compensation alone. It should become part of a broader effort to end hazardous sanitation work and ensure that no family loses a loved one because of preventable negligence.

Every sewer death is preventable. Every sanitation worker deserves dignity. Every life matters.

From: <nhrc.india@nic.in>

Date: Thu, Jun 18, 2026, 1:22 PM
Subject: Concluded and No Further Action Required(CLD) -1500/6/1/2023
To: <pvchr.adv@gmail.com>

NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

MANAV ADHIKAR BHAWAN BLOCK-C, GPO COMPLEX, INA, NEW DELHI- 110023

Fax No.: 011-24651332    Website: www.nhrc.nic.in

(Law Division)

Case No.- 1500/6/1/2023

---

Date : 18/06/2026

To,

LENIN RAGHUVNASHI SA4/2A DAULATPUR VARANASI VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH 221002 Email- pvchr.adv@gmail.com , Mob No- 9935599331

Subject: Concluded and No Further Action Required(CLD) -1500/6/1/2023.

Sir/ Madam,

With reference to your complaint/ intimation dated 30/11/2023. I am directed to say that the matter was considered by the Commission on 04/06/2026. The Commission has made the following directions:

As per the order passed by this Commission, the compensation of Rs.30,00,000/- (Rupees Thirty Lakhs only) has been disbursed to the next of kin of the deceased and the Joint Secretary to the Government, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Gujarat, has sent proof of payment. Therefore, the case is closed.

2.      This is for your information.

Your’s faithfully Sd/- JOINT REGISTRAR (LAW) FC Section Ph. No. 011-24663276

NHRC Takes Cognizance of Illegal Mining Death in Dhanbad: A Step Towards Accountability

NHRC Takes Cognizance of Illegal Mining Death in Dhanbad: A Step Towards Accountability

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of a complaint filed by human rights defender Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi concerning the death of a 55-year-old man, Bagha, and the serious injury of a woman during alleged illegal coal mining activities near Tetulmari Mansa Mandir in Dhanbad, Jharkhand.

The complaint highlighted a tragic incident that occurred on 25 February 2025 when debris from illegal excavation reportedly collapsed on workers, leading to the death of Bagha and causing severe injuries to another victim. According to reports, local authorities initially denied knowledge of the incident, raising concerns about accountability, victim protection, and access to justice.

Recognizing the seriousness of the allegations, the NHRC observed that the complaint raises important issues relating to the protection of the Right to Life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The Commission has directed the District Magistrate, Dhanbad, to conduct an inquiry and submit an Action Taken Report within fifteen days.

This intervention is important not only for the affected family but also for the larger issue of unsafe and illegal mining practices that continue to endanger vulnerable communities. The case highlights the urgent need for stronger enforcement of safety standards, accountability of responsible authorities, and effective rehabilitation measures for victims and their families.

Human rights are not limited to freedom from abuse; they also include the right to safe working conditions, dignity, and protection from preventable harm. The NHRC's action sends a message that the lives of marginalized workers cannot be ignored and that every death resulting from negligence or illegal activities deserves independent scrutiny.

PVCHR welcomes the Commission's intervention and hopes that the inquiry will ensure justice, compensation, and rehabilitation for the affected family while contributing to stronger safeguards against similar tragedies in the future.

— Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi

People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR)

From: <nhrc.india@nic.in>
Date: Mon, Jun 22, 2026 at 4:31 PM
Subject: Action Taken Report Called for(ATR) -343/34/4/2025
To: <dc-dha@nic.in>, <pvchr.adv@gmail.com>

NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

MANAV ADHIKAR BHAWAN BLOCK-C, GPO COMPLEX, INA, NEW DELHI- 110023

Fax No.: 011-24651332    Website: www.nhrc.nic.in

(Law Division)

Case No.- 343/34/4/2025

---

Date : 22/06/2026

To,

THE DISTRICT MAGISTRATE DC office Station Road, Pandey Muhalla, DHANBAD JHARKHAND 826001 Email- dc-dha@nic.in

Sub : Complaint/ Intimation from

DR LENIN RAGHUVANSHI SA 4/2 A DAULATPUR, PANDEYPUR VARANASI, DAULATPUR, VARANASI VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH 221002 Email- pvchr.adv@gmail.com , Mob No- 9935599331

Subject: Action Taken Report Called for(ATR) -343/34/4/2025.

Sir/ Madam,

The complaint/ intimation dated 03/03/2025, was placed before the Commission on 22/06/2026. Upon perusing the same, the Commission directed as follows:

A complaint dated 03.03.2025 has been received from Lenin Raghuvanshi R/o Varanasi online (email id: pvchr.adv@gmail.com) in the Commission containing that: The complaint has been filed regarding an incident of illegal mining in Jharkhand, where a 55-year-old man named Bagha died and a woman was seriously injured due to falling debris. The incident occurred near the Tetulmari Mansa temple. The complainant is seeking compensation and rehabilitation for the victim's family. Upon perusal of complaint, this Commission is of the considered view that the complainant has leveled serious allegations of human right violations in respect of the missing person, thereby violating victim’s Fundamental Right to Life under Article 21 of the constitution. The Commission deems it fit to call for report from the concerned authority/Police before proceeding further. Accordingly, the Registry is directed to send copy of the complaint to the District Magistrate, Dhanbad, Jharkhand to make an inquiry and submit the report expeditiously within a period of 15 days to this Commission.

2.      Accordingly, I am forwarding herewith a copy of the complaint/ intimation as an attachment for taking appropriate action in the matter as per the directions of the Commission. It is requested that an Action Taken Report be sent to the Commission within 2 weeks from the date of receipt of this letter.

3.     Any communication by public authorities in this matter may please be sent to the Commission through the HRCNet Portal (https://hrcnet.nic.in) by using id and password already provided to the public authorities (click Authority Login). Any Audio/ Video CDs/ pen drives etc. may be sent through Speed Post/ per bearer. The reports/ responses sent through email may not be entertained.

Your’s faithfully Sd/- Sparsh Agarwal DEPUTY REGISTRAR (LAW) M-3 Section Ph. No. 011-24663291

CC to

Complainant Details Case No. 343/34/4/2025 DR LENIN RAGHUVANSHI SA 4/2 A DAULATPUR, PANDEYPUR VARANASI, DAULATPUR, VARANASI VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH 221002 Email- pvchr.adv@gmail.com , Mob No- 9935599331 Sparsh Agarwal DEPUTY REGISTRAR (LAW) M-3 Section Ph. No. 011-24663291

Kashi at Strand: Why a People’s History of Varanasi Matters in a Fractured World

https://www.strandbooks.com/kashi-9789381043707.html

There are moments in the life of a book that transcend publication, sales, or literary recognition. They become symbolic milestones in a larger conversation about society, memory, and humanity. The arrival of Kashi: A People's Account of India's Living Civilisation at New York's historic Strand Bookstore is one such moment.

For nearly a century, Strand Bookstore has stood as a sanctuary for readers, writers, scholars, artists, and seekers of ideas. Located near Union Square in Manhattan, it has witnessed generations of intellectual debates and social movements. To see Kashi placed among the shelves of one of the world's most respected independent bookstores is not merely an achievement for its authors—it is a recognition of the voices that the book seeks to amplify.

Kashi was never conceived as a conventional history of Varanasi. The city has already been described through the lenses of kings, temples, pilgrims, and empires. Yet beneath these celebrated narratives lies another history: the history of ordinary people. The weavers who kept traditions alive despite economic hardship; the Dalit communities who struggled against exclusion while shaping the city's social fabric; the women whose resilience sustained families and communities; the sanitation workers, widows, artisans, and laborers whose lives remain inseparable from the story of the city itself.

Their experiences form the foundation of what we call civilization.

In today's world, public discourse often becomes trapped between competing identities, polarized politics, and simplified historical narratives. Complex societies are reduced to slogans. Diverse cultures are compressed into stereotypes. In such a climate, a people's history becomes not only relevant but essential.

Kashi argues that civilization cannot be understood solely through monuments, scriptures, or political power. It must also be understood through human dignity, coexistence, and the daily struggles of those who rarely appear in official records. The greatness of Varanasi lies not only in its ancient heritage but also in its capacity to absorb differences, sustain plurality, and continuously reinvent itself through its people.

This perspective has profound global relevance.

Across continents, societies are grappling with questions of inclusion, identity, migration, inequality, and democratic participation. Communities seek ways to preserve cultural heritage while embracing diversity. In this context, Varanasi offers important lessons. For centuries, it has been a meeting ground of faiths, philosophies, occupations, and social groups. Its history demonstrates that cultural vitality emerges not from uniformity but from dialogue and coexistence.

The presence of Kashi at Strand therefore represents more than international distribution. It opens a conversation between local experiences and global audiences. Readers in New York, London, Johannesburg, São Paulo, or Tokyo may encounter in the lanes of Varanasi reflections of challenges faced within their own societies. They may discover that the stories of a weaver in Banaras, a widow seeking dignity, or a marginalized community demanding justice resonate far beyond India.

This is particularly significant at a time when democratic values face growing pressures worldwide. Human rights, social justice, and participatory citizenship remain unfinished projects everywhere. The voices documented in Kashi remind us that democracy is strongest when it listens to those on the margins. Progress is meaningful only when it expands opportunity, dignity, and representation.

The journey of this book has always been rooted in that belief.

As human rights practitioners and social activists, our engagement with communities over decades taught us that knowledge does not reside only in institutions. It also resides in lived experience. The people whose stories shape Kashi are not merely subjects of observation; they are producers of knowledge. Their struggles, aspirations, and wisdom contribute to a deeper understanding of society than any official narrative alone can provide.

The encouraging letter received from Advocate Dharm Narain Dubey, appreciating the book's portrayal of Kashi and its contribution to public understanding, reflects the broader response we have encountered across India. Readers have recognized that the book seeks not to romanticize the city nor to reduce it to its challenges, but to present a balanced and humane account of a living civilization.

The recognition of such work by institutions and readers beyond India's borders is heartening because it demonstrates a continuing global appetite for nuanced narratives. In an age dominated by instant information and fragmented attention, there remains a place for stories that encourage reflection, empathy, and dialogue.

Ultimately, the significance of Kashi reaching Strand Bookstore lies not in the destination but in the journey it represents. It is the journey of local voices entering global conversations. It is the journey of marginalized histories finding wider audiences. It is the journey of a city's living heritage being understood through the people who sustain it every day.

If this book succeeds in helping even a few readers see civilization not as a monument of the past but as a shared human project of dignity, pluralism, and justice, then its purpose will have been fulfilled.

For the story of Kashi is, in many ways, the story of humanity itself: diverse, resilient, imperfect, and forever evolving.

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