Appeal for Conferment of State Honour on Jaswant Singh Khalra and Declaration of December 9 as Jaswant Singh Khalra Day

Punjab News Express

Jul 5, 2026 - 18:45

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CHANDIGARH: Dr. Upneet Kaur Mangat, Chairperson, Centre for Human Rights and Duties, Panjab University, Chandigarh, has submitted an earnest appeal to the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Punjab, S. Bhagwant Singh Maan, requesting the Government of Punjab to confer an appropriate State Honour upon the late Jaswant Singh Khalra and to officially declare December 9 as Jaswant Singh Khalra Day in the State.

In her representation, Dr. Mangat highlighted Jaswant Singh Khalra's extraordinary contribution as one of India's most courageous human rights defenders. She stated that his fearless efforts in exposing thousands of alleged enforced disappearances and illegal cremations in Punjab reflected an unwavering commitment to justice, truth, accountability, and the protection of human dignity, despite grave personal risk.

The appeal notes that Jaswant Singh Khalra's life embodied the constitutional ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and human dignity, while also reflecting the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. His work remains a lasting symbol of courage and the peaceful defence of human rights.

Dr. Mangat observed that although Jaswant Singh Khalra has received significant international recognition, Punjab has yet to accord him formal State recognition. She pointed out that the cities of Surrey and Brampton in Canada have officially proclaimed Jaswant Singh Khalra Day, while the Province of British Columbia has formally honoured his contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights.

The appeal further notes that the Fresno City Council, California, unanimously renamed Victoria Park as Jaswant Singh Khalra Community Park, creating a permanent public memorial in his honour. In another historic recognition, the Central Unified School District, Fresno, inaugurated Jaswant Singh Khalra Elementary School in 2025, making it the first public elementary school in the United States to be named after a Punjabi Sikh human rights defender.

Dr. Mangat emphasized that these international recognitions demonstrate the universal respect commanded by Jaswant Singh Khalra's legacy and make it both appropriate and timely for Punjab to honour one of its most distinguished sons.

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The appeal also highlights the special significance of December 9, which marks the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (1998), commonly known as the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. Internationally observed as Human Rights Defenders Day, the date commemorates individuals who courageously defend human rights despite immense personal risks.

Declaring December 9 as Jaswant Singh Khalra Day, Dr. Mangat stated, would harmoniously align Punjab with this internationally recognised observance while paying tribute to one of India's foremost human rights defenders. Such a decision would reaffirm Punjab's commitment to constitutional governance, democratic values, transparency, accountability, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights.

In her appeal, Dr. Mangat has respectfully urged the Government of Punjab to:

Confer an appropriate State Honour upon Jaswant Singh Khalra in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the protection and promotion of human rights.

Officially declare December 9 as Jaswant Singh Khalra Day in Punjab in harmony with the global observance of Human Rights Defenders Day.

Dr. Mangat expressed hope that the Government of Punjab would give favourable consideration to this historic appeal, stating that such recognition would not merely honour an individual but reaffirm Punjab's enduring commitment to constitutional morality, justice, democracy, human rights, and the dignity of every individual while inspiring future generations to uphold the values of truth, courage, compassion, and justice.