Resolve to maintain value-based society: NHRC chief

India is a diverse nation, and its people should co-exist in harmony, with respect for the liberty, dignity and equality of fellow citizens, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) chairman chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan said Monday.

Speaking on the eve of Human Rights Day, 2013, Balakrishnan said that people should resolve to maintain "our value-based society to set an example for the world".

"This is a solemn occasion to take a pledge that each one of us will stand up for the promotion and protection of human rights," Balakrishnan said.

"The best way forward is to start recognising the mutual co-existence of each other and ensure that we will not be party to any action which creates problems for others, undermining their rights to life, liberty, dignity and equality," he said.

"Ours is a big and sovereign nation, having its own problems and challenges. Let us not succumb to any pressure or use of words or expressions that may seek to create divisions in our society, leading to a situation of rights violation," he said.