The Justice Suresh Hosabettu Endowment National Seminar on “Human Rights and Gen-Z: Challenges and Prospects” was organised at Govinda Dasa College, Surathkal on 20 February 2026. The seminar was conducted under the initiative of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), Department of Political Science, Human Rights Forum, Consumer Forum, and Mahila Vedike of the college.
Objectives of the Seminar:
- To create awareness among Generation Z about human rights and constitutional values.
- To emphasise the importance of corruption-free governance and responsible citizenship.
- To encourage youth participation in safeguarding democracy and human dignity.
- To examine contemporary challenges in digital spaces, identity, gender, and environmental rights.
- To foster critical thinking and ethical responsibility among students.
Inaugural Session:
The inaugural function was presided over by Sri Jayachandra Hatwar, President of Hindu Vidyaadaayini Sangha. The keynote address was delivered by Hon’ble Justice N. Santosh Hegde, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India. In his keynote address, N. Santosh Hegde emphasised that corruption-free administration and responsible citizenship are essential to protect constitutional democracy and human rights. He stated that the strength of the Constitution lies not merely in its written provisions but in the integrity of those who implement it. He highlighted that rights and duties are inseparable and urged youth to develop moral courage to resist unethical practices. He further observed that true contentment comes from satisfaction rather than greed and stressed that integrity, compassion, and accountability must guide public life. Prof. Ramesh Bhat, Director (Administration), was the Guest of Honour.
Technical Sessions:
The seminar featured distinguished resource persons:
- Dr. Anita Ravishankar, former Director of the UGC Centre for Women’s Studies at Mangalore University, spoke on “Negotiating Identity: A Sociological Perspective on Gen-Z and Human Rights,” addressing issues of identity, gender, and social transformation.
- Ms. Saroj Mayadev, marketing and branding professional and former journalist, delivered a lecture on “Revisiting Freedom of Expression in the Digital Age: Prospects and Constraints for Generation Z,” highlighting both opportunities and challenges posed by digital platforms.
III. Student presentations:
- Digital space and cybercrime: Ms Shruthi Acharya, II BCA
- Child rights in cyberspace: Ms Khushi Kotian, III BBA
- Right to a Healthy Environment: Youth as Change Makers: Ms Sushmitha II BA
- Medical Negligence: Patient rights in Health Care: Ms Damini II MCom
- A book review of My Voice Is My Conscience by Justice Suresh Hosabettu: Ms Ramya G, IBSC
Valedictory Session:
The valedictory session was presided over by Prof. K. R. Kavitha, Joint Director of Collegiate Education, Mangaluru, followed by prize distribution. Principal Prof. Hareesh Acharya welcomed the gathering. Dr. Ashalatha P., Programme Convener, presented the concept note. Dr. Shridevi and Mrs. Daya Suvarna, Co-Conveners, were present during the programme. The vote of thanks was delivered by Vice-Principal and IQAC Coordinator Neelappa V.
Participants: 173
The seminar witnessed active participation from:
04 Resource Persons 05 Delegates
33 Staff Members 43 External Students
72 GDC students 16 Essay Participants
Participants represented various colleges, universities, and institutions, including international representation.
Justice Suresh Hosabettu Endowment Essay Competition on Human Rights & Gen Z: Issues & Challenges.
15 Under Graduate students from different academic disciplines participated
I – Cash Prize 3000/- Winner – Kripa T. Shetty, III B.Com., Shree Durgaparameshwari Temple First Grade College Kateel
II – Cash Prize Rs 2000/- , Ginder Sharanappa Adiveppa, III BA, Sri Dharmasthala Manjnatheshwara College, Ujire.
Outcome of the Seminar:
- Enhanced awareness among youth regarding constitutional values and human rights.
- Strengthened understanding of ethical governance and anti-corruption principles.
- Encouraged critical engagement with digital rights, gender identity, and environmental justice.
- Promoted student research and academic dialogue on contemporary human rights issues.
- Reinforced the importance of integrity, accountability, and civic responsibility in sustaining democracy.
Conclusion:
The National Seminar successfully provided a meaningful platform for intellectual exchange and youth engagement on pressing human rights concerns. It reinforced the role of Generation Z in building a transparent, accountable, and humane society rooted in constitutional values and ethical public life.