NHRC Opens Doors to Future Rights Defenders: 100 Scholars Selected from 2,036 Applicants for Prestigious Online Internship
(Judicial Quest News Network)
New Delhi, Aug. 3: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian on Monday underlined the worsening global humanitarian situation arising out of armed conflicts and displacement, while calling upon young people to develop greater empathy and sensitivity towards fellow human beings.
The two-week Online Short-Term Internship Programme (OSTI), organised by the NHRC for university students, commenced at Manav Adhikar Bhawan here today.
Justice Ramasubramanian inaugurated the programme in the presence of NHRC Member Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, Secretary General Piyush Goyal, Joint Secretaries Samir Kumar and Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak, and Director Satovisha Samajdar.
A total of 100 students, selected from 2,036 applicants across diverse academic disciplines, are participating in the programme.
Addressing the interns, Justice Ramasubramanian said the youth in India are fortunate to enjoy peace and access to basic human rights such as food, education and shelter, unlike millions affected by armed conflict and forced displacement across the world.
Referring to the Global Peace Index 2025 released by the Institute for Economics and Peace, he said the world is witnessing an estimated 130-armed conflicts, the highest since World War II.
He noted that 98 countries are facing external conflicts, more than 122 million people have been forcibly displaced, and the global economic loss has reached nearly USD 20 trillion.
Describing the internship as an important vehicle for human rights sensitisation, the NHRC Chairperson said the programme is intended to transform participants into ambassadors of the Commission’s human rights mandate.
He said its core objective is to foster compassion and empathy, and urged the interns to make full use of the opportunity.
Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi said the internship has been designed to impart meaningful exposure to various dimensions of human rights through lectures by eminent experts.
Referring to Article 21 of the Constitution, he said the right to life with dignity is a fundamental right and encouraged the interns to apply the knowledge gained for the benefit of society.
Secretary General Piyush Goyal said the online format has made the internship more inclusive by removing geographical and financial barriers and enabling participation from across the country.
He said the interns would, over the next fortnight, interact with distinguished speakers and gain a deeper understanding of the NHRC’s mandate and functioning.
He added that the programme is aimed at encouraging conscientious citizenship rooted in the protection of human dignity and human rights.
Joint Secretary Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak gave an overview of the programme, which will include around 30 lectures on key human rights issues by 20 eminent speakers, including senior government officials, academicians, civil society representatives, human rights defenders, NHRC officers, representatives of international institutions, and subject experts.
The interns will also undertake virtual visits to a police station, Tihar Prison and Asha Kiran Shelter Home, besides participating in a book review competition, group research presentation and declamation contest.
