Pratibha Patil pays rich tributes to Viswanath Pasayat

Former President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil today inaugurated the birth centenary celebrations of late Viswanath Pasayat, a legendary figure in the freedom movement and an eminent jurist.
Inaugurating the Viswanath Pasayat Birth Centenary celebrations here at Saheed Bhawan, the former president said Pasayat would be remembered long for his leftist and socialistic ideologies, which are still relevant now.
Patil said Pasayat was an inspiring youth who had plunged into the freedom struggle at an early age, ignoring all his comforts of being born into an aristocratic family.
While delivering the Birth Centenary lectures, Justice Thakur spoke at length about the 'Rule of Law', Justice Patnaik dwelt on 'Social Justice' and Justice Chauhan spoke on 'Life and Liberty'.

Emphasising that Rule of Law was very much there in our society since the days of mythology as is seen in the epics of Ramayan and Mahabharat, Justice Thakur said Rule of Law is now the basic feature of our Constitution and it provides the necessary security to all our citizens.
He, however, pointed out that the Rule of Law was now limited to books and had gone completely missing in practice.

"It is most disturbing trend," he observed saying that equality of opportunity is not available because of lack of Rule of law.
Justice Patnaik stressed on abolition of all discriminations to ensure social justice for all as enshrined in our Constitution.

Accordingly, he suggested for some special provisions in accordance to law for uplifting the underprivileged.
Justice Chauhan, a former Chief Justice of Orissa High Court, stressed on changing the mindset of the people to ensure Right to life and liberty.
Only through education this mindset can change in society, he said.