NHRC Launches Summer Internship Programme 2026 for 100 Students from 21 States and Union Territories

June 1, 2026 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India on Monday inaugurated its four-week Summer Internship Programme (SIP) 2026 at its headquarters in New Delhi, bringing together 100 postgraduate students selected from 1,668 applicants across 21 States and Union Territories.

The internship programme, aimed at promoting awareness and understanding of human rights among young scholars, has drawn participants from 40 educational institutions representing diverse academic disciplines, including Law, Social Sciences, Social Work, Psychology, Journalism, Gender Studies, Digital Humanities and International Relations.

Inaugurating the programme, NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian highlighted the enduring significance of human rights values despite rapid transformations brought about by agricultural, industrial and digital revolutions. He observed that liberty, equality and fraternity continue to remain universal ideals and form the foundation of human rights discourse across the world.

Justice Ramasubramanian noted that while internships are often viewed as opportunities to enhance academic credentials, their real value lies in broadening perspectives, deepening knowledge and developing a stronger understanding of society. Describing the selected batch as a “Mini India,” he said the programme seeks to bring together students from diverse backgrounds and cultivate human rights consciousness that can contribute to building a more compassionate and evolved society.

Encouraging participants to fully engage with the internship, he stated that the programme has been carefully designed to provide learning experiences beyond classrooms and digital platforms. According to him, the initiative would achieve its purpose if even a few participants emerge with greater empathy, awareness and commitment towards the protection of human rights.

NHRC Member Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi said that the internship serves as a platform for cultural exchange and mutual understanding among students from different regions of the country. He emphasised that knowledge, combined with the energy of youth, strengthens national unity and urged interns to become advocates for those whose voices often go unheard.

NHRC Member Vijaya Bharathi Sayani underscored the deep-rooted connection between human rights and Indian cultural values. Referring to the principles of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah,” she stated that respect for human dignity and rights has long been embedded in India’s civilisational ethos. She urged participants to treat the internship as an opportunity for value-based learning and personal growth, stressing that human rights are reflected not only in legal frameworks but also in everyday acts of empathy and responsibility.

Addressing the gathering, NHRC Secretary General Bharat Lal highlighted the Commission’s continued efforts to engage and empower young people through both physical and online internship programmes. He said the Commission is committed to nurturing a generation of leaders dedicated to human rights, democratic values and social responsibility. He encouraged the interns to promote and practise the ideals of equality, justice, liberty and fraternity while remaining sensitive to the needs of the poor and vulnerable sections of society.

Earlier, NHRC Joint Secretary Samir Kumar provided an overview of the programme and highlighted its pan-India character. He said the academic and institutional diversity of the participants has enriched the learning environment and strengthened the programme’s outreach. The internship includes interactive sessions with experts, group research projects, book reviews, declamation contests and field visits to institutions such as police stations, Tihar Jail, SHEOWS home for the elderly and various national commissions, offering participants practical exposure to human rights issues and institutional mechanisms.

The Summer Internship Programme is one of NHRC’s flagship initiatives aimed at fostering awareness, leadership and engagement among young citizens on issues concerning human rights and constitutional values.