The significance of ‘dharma’ of each individual has been highlighted since times immemorial in the Indian cultural landscape. Much before the Stockholm Conference in 1972, the ancient Indian literature has stressed on protecting the environment. These texts emphasize that it is the dharma of each and every individual to protect the Mother Nature which is evident in the form of worshipping of trees, water, land and animals. This dharma of protecting the environment resulted in sustaining and ensuring welfare for all. In this endeavor, the ancient texts in a way ensured a balance between the right to exploit environment and a duty to conserve it, which is now internationally acknowledged and recognized as ‘sustainable Justice Shri Arun Mishra Chairperson, NHRC in Geneva development’. The present-day recognition of the right to a clean environment as a fundamental right in India has its roots in the liberal interpretation of existing constitutional provisions in order to include environmental protection as an essential facet of the right to life and personal liberty. India believes in the ancient philosophy of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah”, which means “May all be happy and healthy”. Human rights are essential for the survival of humans and are inculcated in the society right from the beginning of human civilization. Particularly the concept of “Vasudhaiba Kutumbakam”, which means, “The world is one family”, contains the spirit of human civilization. India actively participates in international human rights forums and treaties, contributing to the global dialogue on human rights. Its foreign policy often aligns with principles of justice and equity. As India continues to grow and evolve, protecting human rights remains a central and ongoing endeavour. In this background, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India was established on 12th October 1993 by enacting a law by the Parliament of India known as the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993. The PHRA is consistent with the Paris Principles, adopted at the first international workshop on national institutions for promoting and protecting human rights in Paris in October 1991 and endorsed by the General Assembly of the United Nations by Resolution 48/134 of 20th December 1993. Composition and Structure of NHRC NHRC consists of a Chairperson, five full-time Members and seven deemed Members. The statute prescribes high qualifications for appointing the Chairperson and Members of the Commission. • The Commission shall consist of a Chairperson who has been a Chief Justice of India or a Judge of the Supreme Court; one Member who is, or has been, a Judge of the Supreme Court; one Member who is, or has been the Chief Justice of a High Court; three Members, to be www.nhrc.nic.in, covdnhrc@nic.in, @India_NHRC Dr. Dnyaneshwar Manohar Mulay Member, NHRC India HUMAN RIGHTS FOR ALL | 3