Experts at Human Rights National Conference call for rights-based development, ethical governance
By Nalini Sahu
Bhubaneswar, March 13: Reinforcing its commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and inclusive development, experts at the Human Rights National Conference on Friday called for rights based development and ethical governance.
Held here, the one-day conference organised by Hindalco Industries Limited and Human Rights Front India brought together policymakers, jurists, corporate leaders and civil society representatives from across the country for deliberations on rights-based development and ethical governance. The initiative encouraged knowledge sharing on best practices for integrating these principles into business operations while strengthening corporate responsibility frameworks aligned with national and international expectations. By enabling cross-sector collaboration, the conference also sought to identify risks, bridge gaps and support the development of resilient, human rights-conscious organizations committed to responsible business conduct.
The inaugural session featured Dr. Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, Member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC); Justice Bimala Prasad Das, former Chairperson of the Odisha Human Rights Commission; Asim Amitabh Das, former Member of the OHRC; Dr. Nibedita Nath, Vice Chancellor of Maa Manikeswari University, Kalahandi; and Samik Basu, Chief Human Resources Officer of Hindalco Industries Limited. Shri V.R. Shankar, Senior President and Chief Legal Officer, Hindalco; HRFI chairperson Manoj Jena and T. M. Prakash, President–HR, Hindalco and Conference Convener were also present on the occasion.
Delivering the keynote address, Samik 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. We believe that sustainable growth is only possible when dignity and care for every individual guide every decision,” he said.
The conference featured three thematic panel discussions addressing key human rights issues.
The first panel discussion focused on “Rights-Based Development: Advancing Equity, Inclusion and Institutional Accountability.” Moderated by senior journalist and former Bureau Chief of BBC Sandeep Sahu, the panel included Prof. (Dr.) Kumarbar Das, former Vice-Chancellor of FM University; V.R. Shankar, Senior President & Chief Legal Officer of Hindalco; Jagadananda, former State Information Commissioner; Dr. Kalpana Mallick, Member of the Odisha State Commission for Women; and 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 senior journalist Nageswar Pattanaik, with panelists including Shri Pratul Narayan, Associate Director – ESG Advisory; Dr. Justice D. P. Choudhury, former Judge of the Orissa High Court; Dr. Rina Routray, Chairperson of Mahila Atmanirvar Abhiyan; and 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.” Moderated by Ganga C. Sharma, MD & CEO of Cetizion Verifica Pvt Ltd, the panel featured K. N. Gopinath, National Secretary of CITU; Shri Daniel Umi, South Asia Head of Aide et Action; Shri Girish Chandra Arya, All India Secretary of BMS; and Dr. Ashok Kumar Sahu, former Executive Director (H&A) of NALCO.
The conference also recognized several Human Rights Defenders for their contributions to promoting social justice.
The valedictory session included Shri Sitansu Mohan Dwibedy, Chairman of the Odisha State Bar Council; Smt. Namrata Chadha, former Member of the Odisha State Commission for Women; Shri Basudeb Bhatta, President of Odisha Abhibhabak Mahasangha; Dr. Supriya Pattanayak, Vice Chancellor of Centurion University; and Shri T. M. Prakash, President–HR, Hindalco.
Notably, the initiative builds on Hindalco’s earlier effort to create a platform for dialogue on human rights. The journey began in 2024 when the company organized a similar conference in collaboration with the Odisha Human Rights Commission. With the present edition expanded to the national level, Hindalco aims to sustain and strengthen this platform as a forum for mutual learning, collaboration and a shared commitment to advancing human rights and responsible business practices across the country.
