NHRC Concludes Online Short-Term Internship Programme 2026, 98 Students Complete Human Rights Training

May 29, 2026 : The two-week Online Short-Term Internship Programme (OSTI) of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India concluded with 98 university-level students successfully completing the programme. The participants were selected from 1,417 applicants representing 29 states and Union Territories across the country. The internship commenced on 18 May 2026.

Chairing the valedictory session, NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian congratulated the interns and encouraged them to aspire beyond academic excellence to become compassionate and responsible citizens. Emphasising the importance of sensitivity, social responsibility and human rights, he stated that the younger generation should focus not only on demanding reforms and change but also on making meaningful contributions to society.

Reflecting on India’s rich intellectual heritage, Justice Ramasubramanian highlighted the contributions of scholars such as Aryabhata and Bodhayana, as well as ancient centres of learning like Takshila and Nalanda. He urged the interns to help revive the values of love, generosity and forgiveness in society.

Discussing the evolution of human rights, he noted that for nearly two millennia, societies were guided by moral obligations and duties rooted in religious and ethical traditions. As these frameworks became inadequate, the discourse gradually shifted towards rights, culminating in the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 and the enactment of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, under which the NHRC was established. He stressed the importance of maintaining a balance between rights and duties and encouraged the interns to strive to become better human beings.

In his valedictory address, NHRC Secretary General Shri Bharat Lal described the protection of human rights as a collective responsibility. He expressed hope that the interns’ conduct, civility and thoughtfulness would reflect the values acquired during the programme. Encouraging them to assist vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, victims of trafficking and individuals involved in begging, he said compassion and empathy embody the constitutional ideals of justice, equality and fraternity.

Earlier, NHRC Joint Secretary Smt. Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak presented the internship report. She highlighted that the interns gained insights into diverse human rights issues through interactive sessions with the NHRC Chairperson, Members, Secretary General, senior officers, government officials, academicians, civil society representatives, NHRC core group members and international experts. The programme offered participants a comprehensive understanding of both the theoretical and practical dimensions of human rights. She also announced the winners of various competitions, including book reviews, group research project presentations and declamation contests.