NHRC Launches Two-Week Online Internship Programme for 100 Students Across India

May 19, 2026 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has commenced its two-week Online Short Term Internship Programme (OSTI) for university students, bringing together 100 selected participants from across the country. The programme was inaugurated by NHRC Chairperson, Justice V. Ramasubramanian, in the presence of Secretary General Bharat Lal, Joint Secretary Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak, Director Irsad Alam and other senior officials. The internship, which concludes on May 29, 2026, has drawn participants from diverse academic disciplines, with 100 students selected from 1,417 applicants representing 29 states and union territories.

Addressing the interns, Justice Ramasubramanian highlighted the growing significance of human rights in a world grappling with an unprecedented number of conflicts. Referring to the Global Peace Index 2025, he noted that nearly 130 armed conflicts are currently taking place worldwide, the highest level since the end of World War II. He pointed out that 98 countries are experiencing external conflicts, resulting in an estimated global economic loss of nearly $20 trillion. He further observed that over 120 non-state armed groups are involved in prolonged conflicts, many lasting more than a decade, creating generations that have grown up amid violence and instability. According to him, more than 122 million people have been forcibly displaced globally, while in 17 countries, refugees and internally displaced persons account for over five per cent of the population.

The NHRC Chairperson also discussed the dual impact of technology on society. While digital platforms have expanded opportunities for communication and public participation, he said they have also contributed to unrest in certain situations, with social media amplifying protests that have occasionally escalated into violence and influenced political developments. Encouraging students to remain receptive to dialogue and diverse perspectives, he stressed the importance of empathy, or ‘Daya’, which Indian scriptures regard as the highest form of dharma. He said the internship seeks to nurture empathy, fairness and sensitivity among young people while strengthening their understanding of human rights issues.

Speaking on the occasion, Bharat Lal said the online internship programme, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, has enabled wider participation by removing financial and logistical barriers for students. He noted that the NHRC has expanded the programme significantly, increasing the number of annual internship batches from three or four to six and raising the intake from 80 to 100 students per batch. As a result, around 600 students now benefit from the programme every year. He urged participants to embrace constitutional values such as equality, justice and fraternity while developing keen observation skills, sensitivity and the ability to reflect before responding to situations.

Emphasising compassion in everyday life, he encouraged interns to support those in need and said the programme is designed not only to enhance knowledge but also to build character and prepare young people for future challenges.

Providing an overview of the curriculum, Joint Secretary Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak said the internship will feature 45 sessions delivered by 40 distinguished speakers, including senior government officials, academicians, human rights defenders, representatives of international organisations, civil society members and experts in law enforcement, mental health, child rights and human rights protection. Participants will also undertake virtual visits to a police station, Tihar Prison and Asha Kiran Shelter Home to gain practical insights into their functioning. The programme will further include book review competitions, declamation contests and group research project presentations, offering students an interactive and comprehensive learning experience in the field of human rights.