NHRC India Launches Two-Week Online Internship Programme for Students

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has commenced its two-week Online Short Term Internship Programme (OSTI) for university-level students, bringing together young participants from across the country to deepen awareness and understanding of human rights, constitutional values and social responsibility.

The programme was inaugurated by NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian in the presence of Secretary General Shri Bharat Lal, Joint Secretary Smt. Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak, Director Shri Irsad Alam and other senior officials.

A total of 100 students from diverse academic backgrounds have been selected for the internship from among 1,417 applicants representing 29 states and union territories.

The two-week programme will conclude on 29 May 2026.

Justice V. Ramasubramanian Highlights Global Human Rights Challenges

Addressing the interns during the inaugural session, Justice V. Ramasubramanian underlined the growing importance of human rights awareness at a time of escalating global conflict and instability.

He noted that the world is currently witnessing nearly 130 armed conflicts, the highest number since the Second World War.

Referring to the Global Peace Index 2025, he said:

• 98 countries are experiencing external conflicts;

• Global economic damage from conflicts has reached nearly 20 trillion dollars;

• More than 120 non-state armed groups are involved in ongoing conflicts, and

• Many of these conflicts have continued for over a decade.

The NHRC Chairperson warned that prolonged violence has resulted in generations growing up amid insecurity, displacement and humanitarian crises.

Concern Over Global Displacement Crisis

Justice Ramasubramanian also highlighted the scale of forced displacement worldwide.

According to him:

• More than 122 million people globally have been forcibly displaced, while

• In 17 countries, over five per cent of the population are refugees or internally displaced persons.

He stressed that these realities underline the urgent need for greater sensitivity, empathy and international cooperation in protecting human rights.

Technology Creates Both Opportunity and Instability

The NHRC Chairperson observed that modern technology and social media have transformed communication and public participation.

However, he cautioned that technology has also contributed to social unrest and political instability in several countries.

He noted that protests amplified through social media platforms have at times turned violent and influenced political developments globally.

Justice Ramasubramanian encouraged students to remain open to dialogue, diverse perspectives and ethical reflection while engaging with contemporary social issues.

Emphasis on Empathy and Compassion

Highlighting the importance of compassion in public life, the Chairperson referred to the concept of ‘Daya’ — compassion or empathy — which Indian scriptures regard as the highest form of dharma.

He said the internship programme seeks to nurture students who are:

• More empathetic;

• More sensitive to social realities;

• Fair-minded, and

• Conscious of human rights concerns.

The programme aims to help participants better understand the responsibilities associated with citizenship, justice and social harmony.

NHRC Expands Internship Reach Nationwide

Earlier, NHRC Secretary General Shri Bharat Lal explained that the OSTI programme was initially launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to allow students from across India to participate without facing financial or logistical barriers.

He said the Commission has significantly expanded the programme in recent years.

According to Bharat Lal:

• The number of internship programmes annually has increased from three or four to six;

• Student intake has increased from 80 to 100 participants per batch, and

• The NHRC now reaches approximately 600 students annually through the online format.

Interns Encouraged to Embrace Constitutional Values

Bharat Lal urged the interns to fully utilise the opportunity and internalise constitutional values such as:

• Equality;

• Justice, and

• Fraternity.

He encouraged students to develop:

• Observational skills;

• Social sensitivity;

• Reflective thinking, and

• The ability to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively to situations.

The Secretary General stressed that the programme is designed not only to impart knowledge but also to shape character and prepare students to face future societal challenges responsibly.

Focus on Sensitivity and Social Responsibility

Emphasising the importance of compassion in everyday life, Bharat Lal urged students to support vulnerable and marginalised sections of society whenever possible.

He said human rights education must go beyond theoretical understanding and foster real social responsibility.

Officials noted that the internship programme aims to cultivate future leaders who are sensitive to issues affecting:

• Human dignity;

• Social justice;

• Equality, and

• Democratic participation.

45 Sessions Planned with Eminent Speakers

NHRC Joint Secretary Smt. Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak provided a detailed overview of the internship structure.

The programme will include:

• 45 curated sessions, and

• 40 eminent speakers from various fields.

The speakers include:

• Senior government officials;

• Academicians;

• Human rights defenders;

• Representatives from international organisations;

• Civil society organisations, and

• Experts in law enforcement, mental health, child rights and human rights protection.

Officials said the multidisciplinary format is intended to expose interns to a broad range of human rights perspectives and practical challenges.

Virtual Exposure to Institutions and Field Systems

As part of the programme, interns will also participate in virtual tours of:

• A police station;

• Tihar Prison, and

• Asha Kiran Shelter Home.

The tours are designed to provide practical insights into institutional functioning and challenges within systems related to justice, rehabilitation and human rights protection.

Interactive Activities Included

The internship programme also includes several interactive learning components aimed at encouraging research, critical thinking and public speaking skills.

These activities include:

• Book review competitions;

• Declamation exercises, and

• Group research project presentations.

Officials said these activities are intended to strengthen analytical abilities and encourage collaborative learning among participants from different academic and social backgrounds.

Human Rights Education Seen as Essential for Future Leadership

The NHRC stated that initiatives such as the OSTI programme are increasingly important in promoting constitutional values and human rights awareness among young people.

Observers say the programme reflects growing recognition that youth engagement and civic education are critical for strengthening democratic institutions, social cohesion and inclusive governance in India.

The internship is expected to equip participating students with deeper understanding of contemporary human rights challenges while encouraging active citizenship and ethical leadership.